It’s essential to understand that pain is the body’s way of communicating a problem. That’s why we recommend a more holistic approach, addressing the underlying causes such as spinal alignment and its effect on your posture. At Barham Chiropractic, we believe that true healing requires addressing the entire body’s well-being. We’ll walk you through root causes and natural options for caring for plantar fasciitis.

Root Causes of Plantar Fasciitis and Contributing Factors

While it may seem like the pain came out of nowhere, lifestyle factors can increase your risk of having plantar fasciitis.

SPINAL ALIGNMENT – You may be surprised that the nervous system plays a crucial role in foot function, controlling muscle activation, sensory input, balance, posture, and overall coordination. Your brain constantly receives input from your peripheral nerves via the spinal cord, processing millions of pieces of data and sending out instructions, all in the split second it takes you to lift your foot and take a step.

Nervous system interference from vertebral misalignments can disrupt proper foot mechanics and cause postural imbalances, in the spine, pelvis, or ankles. This can cause uneven weight distribution and stress on the plantar fascia. Have you ever noticed the soles of your shoes wearing unevenly? Imagine the wear and tear on your ligaments, tendons, and fascia!

Chiropractic is helpful to ensure proper alignment so the nervous systems can fire on all cylinders for better posture, gait, balance, and recovery from injury. We’ve been helping patients in the Sacramento area for over 30 years and have had great results with patients dealing with plantar fasciitis.

WEIGHT – Being overweight increases stress and pressure on the tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues of the foot. The Centers for Disease Control defines overweight as a body mass index (BMI) from 25 to 30 (for those 20 years and older.)

ACTIVITY LEVEL – Conversely, plantar fasciitis can be an overuse injury in extremely active people, such as runners. Plantar fasciitis is also common in careers where people spend long hours standing. Your joints and soft tissues need regular movement to be healthy.

FOOTWEAR – Your footwear choices matter as well! Do you frequently wear high heels or other shoes that don’t give the support that your arch needs? This can contribute to plantar fasciitis. Replace worn-out shoes regularly; as a rule of thumb, it’s recommended that runners change shoes every 500 miles.

NUTRITION AND HYDRATION – Adequate nutrition and hydration are necessary for soft tissue health. When our body lacks the essential vitamins and minerals, it can “steal” them wherever they are stored, weakening your neuromusculoskeletal system.

Person holding foot in pain on park bench due to plantar fasciitis

Woman on tiptoe stretching bottom of foot because of plantar fasciitis pain

Natural Healing Approaches

If you’re on this page, you’re likely looking for natural options and solutions.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE:

Chiropractic can play a vital role in addressing plantar fasciitis by improving the alignment of the body and focusing on nervous system regulation.

We do a thorough evaluation and postural analysis and may recommend X-rays to see exactly where there is interference in the nerve flow. Our specific adjustments restore the connection between brain and body, positively impacting your overall body function.

We may also do extremity adjustments to the ankle or foot to ensure proper foot alignment.

Both spinal and extremity adjustments will likely need to be repeated over time as the inflammation begins to resolve and the body begins to heal and find a new default.

SOFT TISSUE THERAPIES:

Myofascial release and massage can enhance healing and reduce pain. We may recommend you get laser therapy, physical therapy, or do specific exercises.

Mayo Clinic recommends these three foot stretches to prevent plantar fasciitis:

Towel Grab for Arch Strength: Place a small towel on the floor in front of you. Sit comfortably and use your toes to grab the towel. Slowly pull the towel towards you, curling your toes. This exercise strengthens the muscles in your arch.
Seated Toe Stretch: While sitting, reach for your toes with your hand. Gently pull them towards you until you feel a stretch along the bottom of your foot. This helps flexibility in your arch.
Standing Calf Stretch: Stand facing a wall and place both palms on the wall for support. Step one foot back, lean forward, bending your front knee while keeping your back leg straight with the heel to the floor. You should feel a stretch in your back leg’s calf.

For each exercise:

Hold each stretch for 30 seconds
Don’t bounce or jerk your movements
Repeat each exercise 1-2 times
Do this routine 2-3 times daily

Remember to move slowly and gently. If you feel pain rather than just a stretch, ease off the intensity.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIONS:

We want to support the body’s natural healing process as well. This can include using put in ice on your heel and the bottom of your foot to provide relief and reduce inflammation. We may recommend supplements and nutritional support to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation.

Some activities such as yoga or tai chi, are a great way to destress during the healing phase, while at the same time improving body awareness and balance. Walking barefoot and using grounding techniques can strengthen foot muscles and improve proprioceptive awareness of how you are stepping on your foot.

Long-Term Wellness and Prevention of Plantar Fasciitis

Once you’re functioning better, we don’t want you to be setback by plantar fasciitis again. We recommend regular chiropractic care checkups to ensure proper nervous system function and body alignment for good posture, balance, and biomechanics. Continue with healthy lifestyle choices, including proper nutrition, stress management, regular exercise, and wearing supportive footwear.

A holistic approach to plantar fasciitis recognizes that true healing involves addressing the entire body’s well-being. By considering the interconnectedness of the body’s systems, we can develop comprehensive plans to alleviate pain and promote overall health.

Our Barham Chiropractic team is dedicated to empowering you to take charge of your health, by providing education, tools, and support. We hope this helps you to make informed decisions about your lifestyle and healthcare choices, for better outcomes and improved quality of life.

This article provides an overview of a holistic approach to plantar fasciitis and does not replace a consult with a qualified healthcare professional. You’ll get the best results in overcoming plantar fasciitis when you have an approach that is tailored to you.

The great news is we can give you a personalized care plan! Our Barham Chiropractic team includes chiropractic assistants, masseuses, nutritionists, and more. Book an appointment to get started with the help you need.

Why Choose Us for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Sacramento?

Since 1992, Barham Chiropractic has been home to the best chiropractors in Sacramento. Our family's clinic is committed to providing you with exceptional plantar fasciitis care!