Patients often present to us at South West Health Spine and Sport with heel and or arch pain without a history of trauma. The first thing we look for is loss of function at the ankle. In other words, does the ankle allow for a full range of motion? A simple test you can do at home is to attempt to stretch your calves one at a time by placing your toes on a step and letting your heel drop to where it's comfortable keeping your knee straight. If you do not feel a good stretch up into your calf, then there is a good chance that your ankle could be subluxated or locked up. Too often, people start researching arch or heel pain on the internet and get the self-diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. If your ankle is not moving to its full potential and you go for a walk, a run, or a jog, then you may develop pain in your arch or your heel or both.
We evaluate the entire leg when we look at patients with plantar fasciitis. In fact, we include the core as well. All land sports require us to leverage the ground to create power. If your foot and ankle is not efficiently transferring power up the chain into the rest of your leg and hips and ultimately out to the rest of your body, then you are a candidate to develop plantar fasciitis. If you develop any of these symptoms, visit your sports chiropractor and see what he or she can do for you. If you are inefficient in your movements, your body will compensate and move with a sort of "plan B". Once this happens, injuries are not far behind.
Consult with your sports medicine chiropractor for more information on how we can help you with your feet. 949-631-5226