How Chiropractic Care Can Alleviate Heel Pain

Whether you are suffering from heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis or bone spurs, chiropractic care can help.

If you're experiencing heel pain, you may wonder if you should see a chiropractor. While there are many potential causes of heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, a chiropractor may be able to help.

Chiropractors focus on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems and use various techniques to treat patients, including manipulation, adjustments, and mobilization. In some cases, a chiropractor may also use physiotherapy or massage therapy.

Causes of Heel Pain 

There are numerous potential causes of heel pain, some of which are more common than others. 

Potential causes of this foot problem include:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel spurs
• Stress fractures
• Nerve problems

In some cases, heel pain may result from a combination of factors. 

Plantar Fasciitis 

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. This tissue band runs along the bottom of the foot from the toes to the heels. This thick tissue helps support the arch of your foot. If the plantar fascia becomes irritated or swollen, it can cause heel pain. 

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis 

There are several possible causes of plantar fasciitis, and often multiple factors contribute to the development of the condition. Some of the most common causes include:

• Excessive pronation (flattening of the arch during weight bearing)
• Obesity or sudden weight gain
• Poorly fitting shoes
• Repetitive impact activities (running, dancing, etc.)
• Age-related changes in the plantar fascia

Plantar fasciitis is often seen in people with a job requiring them to stand on their feet for long periods.

Can a Chiropractor Treat Plantar Fasciitis? 

Can chiropractic care help with pain relief for plantar fasciitis? In some cases, yes.

Chiropractors use various techniques to treat stiffness, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. In most cases, chiropractors manually manipulate and adjust the spine or other affected joints. This helps to improve range of motion and reduce heel and foot pain.

Chiropractors may also recommend exercises and stretches to help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.

Chiropractors are often able to treat repetitive motion injuries effectively. These injuries typically occur when the same muscles and joints are used repeatedly, causing inflammation and pain.

Chiropractic treatment for repetitive motion injuries usually involves a combination of hands-on manipulation, adjustments, and therapeutic exercises.

Bone Spurs & Heel Spurs 

Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are bony outgrowths that form along joints and bones. They often develop due to wear and tear, arthritis, or injury. Bone spurs can cause pain when they rub against other bones or tissues, such as tendons or ligaments. In some cases, bone spurs can pinch nerves, causing stabbing pain, numbness, or tingling.

Heel spurs are a type of bone spur that forms at the bottom of the heel bone (calcaneus). They often develop in response to repetitive injuries like running or walking. Over time, these impact injuries can damage the tissues and cause the body to produce extra bone to repair the damage. This extra bone is what forms a heel spur.

Causes of Bone or Heel Spurs 

Many different things can cause bone spurs and heel spurs. One of the most common causes is aging. As we get older, our bones degenerate and wear down. This process can lead to the formation of bone spurs and heel spurs.

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints. This inflammation can lead to the formation of bone spurs and heel spurs.

There are several other less common causes of bone spurs and heel spurs. These include:

• Tumors
• Infection
• Metabolic disorders
• Genetics (rare)

Can a Chiropractor Treat Bone Spurs? 

Chiropractic care can help to relieve pain and improve mobility in patients with bone spurs. Chiropractors use various techniques, including spinal manipulation, to help reduce pain and improve function. In some cases, chiropractic care may reduce the size of the bone spur itself.

Treating Heel Pain with Chiropractic Care  

Chiropractors may use many different treatments to help treat heel pain. Some of the most common include:

• Adjustments: This treatment is one of the most common for heel pain. Adjustments help to realign the bones and joints in the feet, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Massage: Massage can help to increase blood flow to the area, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Ice: Ice can help to reduce swelling and pain in the feet.
• Exercise: Exercise can strengthen the muscles and tendons in the feet, which can help to prevent heel pain.
• Orthotics: Orthotics are special inserts you can place in your shoes to help support the feet and reduce pain.

Conclusion 

There are many treatment options for heel pain, and chiropractic care is one of them. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the musculoskeletal system, and they can often provide relief for heel pain sufferers.

Dr. Darren Faherty D.C.

In 2004, Dr. Darren Faherty graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from UWEC - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Dr. Darren continued education at the highly esteemed University of Western States (formerly Western States Chiropractic College) where he obtained his chiropractic degree in 2007. He has been helping people recover from injuries and return to their normal lifestyles ever since.