Heel pain making every step a challenge? For many runners and individuals suffering from foot pain, plantar fasciitis can be the root cause of discomfort in and around your heel. Characterised by the degeneration of the plantar fascia, tissue on the underside of your foot, this condition often creates sharp and stabbing heel pain that disrupts mobility and quality of life. While there are many at-home remedies to alleviate the discomfort, sometimes professional treatment is essential to reduce pain, regain mobility and avoid long-term biomechanical issues.

Chiropractic care for foot pain is an effective option that often gets overlooked. The benefit of seeing a chiropractor who specialises in sports-related injuries is that they take a hands-on treatment approach when treating the foot, leg and compensations in the spine. If you’re in Brisbane, Prime Health Co., with its clinics in Redland Bay and Grange, can guide you toward relief. But how do you know when to see a chiropractor? What does the treatment involve? And what can you expect during your first visit?

This guide answers all these questions while highlighting how chiropractic care for plantar fasciitis can help you get back on your feet pain-free.

Signs That You Need to See a Chiropractor for Plantar Fasciitis

While minor plantar fasciitis cases may improve with rest and stretches, more persistent symptoms warrant professional intervention. Here are clear signs that it’s time to see a chiropractor:

1. Chronic Heel Pain

If you experience sharp, stabbing pains at the bottom of your heel, especially during your first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity, it’s likely plantar fasciitis. If the pain persists despite home remedies like ice therapy and stretches, chiropractic care combined with specialised electrotherapeutic modalities can provide long-term relief

2. Limited Mobility

Pain or stiffness in the arch of your foot that reduces flexibility or restricts your ability to move comfortably may indicate worsening plantar fasciitis. Chiropractors can assess the extent of your mobility issues and restore foot and ankle mobility.

3. Recurring Heel Pain

It’s common for foot pain to be triggered after prolonged standing, walking, running, or high-impact activities. If your symptoms flare up regularly and disrupt your routine, a chiropractor can help address the underlying causes.

How Chiropractors Treat Plantar Fasciitis

Chiropractors employ a combination of techniques aimed at reducing pain, improving foot function, and preventing future flare-ups. At Prime Health Co., the treatment approach is both evidence-based and tailored to each patient’s needs.

• Manual Therapy: Chiropractors use manual therapy techniques like myofascial release, hands-on joint mobilisations and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation to improve joint mobility and relieve tension in tight muscles and fascia. By targeting affected tissues in the feet, calves, and legs, manual therapy releases tension and reduces stress on the plantar fascia.

• Shockwave Therapy: One of the most advanced methods for treating plantar fasciitis is shockwave therapy. This non-invasive treatment involves high-energy sound waves to stimulate blood flow, increase collagen production, and accelerate the body’s natural healing process. Prime Health Co. offers shockwave therapy as a core component of its plantar fasciitis treatment.

• Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Targeted rehabilitation exercises are a crucial element of recovery. Chiropractors guide you through stretches for your calves, ankles, and intrinsic foot muscles to improve flexibility. Strengthening exercises for the glutes, hamstrings, and calf muscles are also incorporated to address biomechanical imbalances.

• Dry Needling: Dry needling offers additional relief by targeting trigger points in tight or knotted muscles. This technique promotes blood flow, eases tension, and supports healing in affected areas.
• Footwear Recommendations: Proper footwear plays a significant role in preventing and managing plantar fasciitis. Chiropractors recommend shoes with additional support or cushioning to help ease pressure on the heel. They can also refer you to a podiatrist when necessary for custom orthotics.

Learn More About Our Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Wondering what a visit to the chiropractor for plantar fasciitis treatment looks like? Here’s how it typically unfolds at Prime Health Co.:

• Comprehensive Assessment: Your chiropractor will discuss your medical history, daily activities, footwear choices, and the onset and severity of your symptoms.

• Biomechanical Analysis: They’ll evaluate your gait, foot arches, and ankle mobility. Tests may also focus on the strength of your glutes and calves to determine whether biomechanical imbalances might be contributing to your pain.

• Diagnosis: After a thorough assessment, your chiropractor will provide a clear diagnosis and explain the underlying causes of your condition.

• Treatment Plan: Based on your diagnosis, they’ll create a personalised treatment plan. You’ll be informed about which therapies will be included, the expected timeline for recovery, and any at-home exercises, training or lifestyle modifications you’ll need to make.

• Initial Treatment: Most of the time we’ll begin treatment at your initial session unless we need advanced imaging to rule out a more serious pathology. Common starting points include manual therapy to release tight tissues and shockwave therapy (if indicated) for immediate pain relief.

Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor for Plantar Fasciitis

Chiropractic care isn’t just about pain relief. Here are the broader benefits of choosing this treatment route:

• Holistic Treatment: Chiropractors address the root causes of plantar fasciitis, considering factors like foot, spine & pelvic biomechanics, posture and gait.

• Drug-Free Approach: Chiropractic treatment reduces your reliance on pain-relief medications.

• Personalised Care: Every case is unique, and chiropractors tailor treatments to suit your individual needs and recovery goals.

• Long-Term Prevention: Chiropractic care focuses on strengthening weak areas and correcting imbalances to prevent future episodes of plantar fasciitis.

• Improved Mobility and Quality of Life: By alleviating pain and restoring function, chiropractic care allows you to regain an active lifestyle.

Book Your Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Today

Don’t let plantar fasciitis hold you back from enjoying your daily activities or achieving your fitness goals. If you’re in Brisbane, Prime Health Co. is here to help with clinics conveniently located in Redland Bay and Grange.

Call 07 2103 5896 to schedule your visit. With easy online booking and flexible appointment options, take your first step toward pain-free movement with Prime Health Co.