Plantar Fasciitis
As previously stated Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of chronic heel pain in people both young active people and older less active individuals. The most common thoughts on why it occurs are linked to repetitive strain on the heel and tightness of the calf muscle particularly the gastrocnemius muscle.
Diagnosis is made with Step 1 of my process which is a detailed face to face consultation and physical examination. This type of condition is usually self-diagnosed from previous episodes of pain or from an internet search.
The question I get asked a lot is why now? I am seeing an increasing number of people who with no history of foot problems suddenly getting issues. This can be due to a change in activity, like training or exercise, commonly it’s a change of job role with more movement. This crucially alters how we use our feet which are extremely complex and they have to adapt quickly or strain occurs on the plantar fascia.
The plantar fascia is essentially the base of your foot and what is in contact with the ground, the rest of the foot is made up of a complex bone and muscle structure shown in the 4 layers below.
The foot has to do several functions at once hence the complexity and layers of muscle fibres. The foot acts a shock absorber when walking or running. Stability and balance in normal and sporting movements, along with power for movement.
This means some of the muscles in the diagrams above for Stability, balance, power and as a shock absorber all at the same time and when repositioned different muscles are doing different roles. Research on type of muscle fibres has been inconclusive with people having either speed or endurance fibres in different percentages with activity status playing a large role in focus.
People tend to have more slow twitch or endurance fibres as the foot has to work hard for balance and coordination when walking or moving. Changes in activity or a new sport or pastime can lead to the muscles working harder and so stressing the Plantar Fascia. Stronger muscles can lead to less plantar fascia issues, BUT!
Other significant variables need to be considered like footwear, foot structure, high or low arch, strength, activity been done previous injury. This is just the start but as the structure is complex and a vast number of reasons for why the plantar fascia is painful arise.
I treat every person as a individual so have a high success rate as not reliant on one method or system to help. Step 5 of my 5 step process is review and as much as possible I work to allow you to live as normal a life while recovering rapidly.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment is Available at InterX Pain Clinic Stratford Upon Avon
If you would like to know more about how I treat plantar fasciitis please call Stephen on 01789 228123 for a conversation or use the messenger icon. Alternatively join the plantar fasciitis masterclass group which can be accessed HERE.
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More Information To heal Plantar Fasciitis You need help from the rest of the foot https://interxpainclinic.com/to-heal-plantar-fasciitis-you-need-help-from-the-rest-of-the-foot/
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