A very common occurrence that many runners have developed is plantar fasciitis. This is a very painful condition affecting the bottom of the foot, heel, ankle and calf. The pain can be intense at times and make simple walking very difficult. This is an inflammation of the plantar fascia. The cause can be overuse of the feet from running, improper foot wear, foot stabilization issues such as excessive pronation or supination. The rolling of the foot and heel striking will cause reparative stress and irritation to the tissue. Many times a heel spur can also form. As a result of the plantar fasciitis other areas of the kinetic chain can be involved as well. The kinetic chain involves the ankle, calf, knee, hip and lower back. Any of the areas can be affected adversely to plantar fasciitis. The ankle can become unstable, the calf could be tight. The knee can develop soreness; the hip can be sore and restrictive. The lower back can develop instability and muscle spasms.

Runners who are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis are treated in our office with a combination of techniques and modalities. The outcome is very favorable. Many runners have returned to their normal routines of daily running. The treatment involves Active Release Technique, Graston Technique, Radial Pulse therapy and Cold Laser. Radial Pulse therapy has rendered terrific results in the correction of plantar fasciitis. The treatments are designed to release adhesions and scar tissue which has built up in the tissue. Along with the therapy patients are encourage to do home rehab. The goal is to create new healthy tissue development.

Long term correction also involves correcting the cause of the problem should it be running form, proper foot wear or looking o different areas involved in the kinetic chain.