Can my Chiropractor Help With Plantar Fasciitis?
If you’re reading this blog, chances are you have been diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis, or you know someone who has. This condition is easily the number one cause of heel pain, which is caused by a tear in the tissue along the long ligament that runs through the bottom of the foot called the fascia ligament. The problem with this particular condition is that the pain is often acute and on-going.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Foot trauma caused by an injury such as a fall, ill-fitting shoes, prolonged standing, and arthritis are all causes. Once the pain sets in, the afflicted person often changes their gait to avoid further pain – which brings on secondary issues like joint stress and misalignment.
What About Treatment?
There are several modes of treatment that can all offer their own unique benefits, but ultimately the choice is yours to find and begin a treatment that will work for your needs. Chiropractic care being the most effective form of treatment – you can expect relief and a decreased risk of further injury when working alongside your chiropractic team. Chiropractic adjustments can reduce the amount of stress in the plantar fascia by reducing inflammation, allowing the ligaments to relax which in turn promotes healing while reducing further instances of plantar fasciitis long term. The chiropractic care involved not only treats the symptoms, but it treats the root of the problem. Taking care of the primary causes will then eliminate any secondary injuries to the joints due to compensating by changes made in the gait to reduce pain.
The Root of the Problem
Your chiropractor will treat the root of the problem, and will help re-train you to walk and stand correctly. In addition, your chiropractor can advise you as to what to look for in shoes and how to alleviate strain on your joints if you are expected to stand for extended periods of time.
The Rehabilitation Plan
Along with Chiropractic care, you will be given home exercises to work on regularly as a part of your care plan. The stretches and therapeutic exercises will help to treat and prevent the direct cause of the plantar fasciitis, along with the secondary affected areas. This rehabilitation plan is the key to alleviating the pain long term.
Recovery Time
Typically recovery time can be several months long, but the good news is that with complete care, there is a good chance it won’t return.
Can I Continue To See My Chiropractor If I’m Pregnant?
Yes! Chiropractors are trained and experienced in working with women who are expecting. At least 50% of women who are pregnant will experience some form of back pain, and 1 in 4 may experience pain or discomfort that will impact their daily activities. The back, joint, and generalized aches and pains that occur during pregnancy can be considered “normal”, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek relief if it’s possible through a Chiropractor.
Back Pain is Common During Pregnancy
Back pain during pregnancy can be caused by many different moving parts, rarely having just one cause. The average woman will carry an extra 30 pounds by the end of their pregnancy. This is 30 (or more) extra pounds carried primarily in the front of the body, which changes the gait, the center of gravity, along with the pressure placed on the joints. This additional weight also affects sleeping, standing, and the way the body moves while performing regular daily chores or activities. The loosening of the ligaments that naturally occurs later in pregnancy by the body’s production of a hormone called relaxin can be troublesome in relation to the back, wrists, hips, and legs. It is not uncommon for women to report pain and discomfort in the following areas:
- Lower back
- Mid-back
- Neck
- Pelvic pain and pressure
- Peripheral swelling
- Aching legs and buttocks
- Sciatica
- Fatigue and night time swelling
- Night time muscle spasms and cramps
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- General sleep disturbances
Chiropractic Care
Many studies have shown that Chiropractic care, can help to decrease pain during pregnancy and in labour. Chiropractors specialize in safe, effective and drug free care to relieve pain and improve function during pregnancy and following the birth. Amongst the many ways a Chiropractor can help, the first more obvious one is that your Chiropractor can help to reduce back and pelvic pain with spinal adjustments of spinal joints to improve overall function. Along with Chiropractic care, massage therapy is also a great way to help tight and sore muscles to relax.
Prepare for Childbirth and Post-Recovery
Regular Chiropractic visits can be helpful in the preparation of childbirth, along with home-based exercises and stretches to prepare your body for the baby’s delivery. Then after delivery, we can also devise a comprehensive management plan for a quicker recovery, while addressing biomechanical complaints and rehabilitation.
Take The Time to Enjoy Your Pregnancy
Your pregnancy should be a time that you can enjoy the changes in your body, and look forward to the addition to your family. However, the reality is that pregnancy can be challenging on your body, and having all natural remedies and real care to help your growing body adjust is just what you need. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, speak to us about how Chiropractic care can assist in making the process an easier one.
Season Change – So Do Your Activities
We’ve officially rolled into fall, and with the changing seasons come changes in weather – and changes in the activities we are engaging in. Raking leaves, hauling heavy pumpkins, preparing your gardens for winter…. These are all activities that could cause some damage to your back if you aren’t prepared or careful. The types of back injuries we see in the fall are often directly related to fall activities, but I’ve got your back! Here is a list of activities that could potentially cause you some pain and discomfort, so I’ve included tips to help keep you healthy and pain free:
Apple Picking/Pumpkin Hauling
If you’ve got a family, I know this is likely an event your little ones look forward to. These are great ways to stay active in the cooler weather, but if you show up unprepared you can run into some problems. Avoid the extra strain on your back by: Lifting heavy items – pumpkins and baskets of apples can be heavy, awkward, or both. Ensure you are bending at the knees and not lifting with your back. One quick move, and you can find yourself in a lot of unnecessary pain. Stretch before hand, and always ask for help carrying heavy items!
Raking Leaves
It’s more common to have experienced back pain from raking leaves than it is to not. Yard work is an excellent workout if you are careful, but you have to keep some things in mind to avoid injuries: Warm up with stretches before hand. This can save you from pulling muscles. If you feel a sharp pain, stop for the day and rest. If you still feel pain, contact us right away. And again, when lifting bags of yard waste, bend at the knees!
Hiking
Now that the summer heat is gone for good, many of you will take up hiking. Hikes are an excellent way to get in some exercise, but they are great for relaxation – especially when all the beautiful fall colours set in. Backpacks are usually required to hold snacks and water, wearing it correctly over both shoulders for even weight distribution is a must. Warm ups and stretching are required as you will be using muscles you likely haven’t used in a while. Avoid hiking where it is very slippery to avoid falls, and ensure you are wearing the proper shoes for the terrain.
Housework
Yes, housework in the fall can be a little different! Cleaning gutters, washing extra blankets, and cleaning out unused fireplaces all require some elbow grease! Since these aren’t regular pieces of our cleaning routines, it can be easy to injure yourself if you aren’t careful. Keep the windows open when using cleaners, and when you can, reach for the all natural cleaners to keep your living environment free from toxic chemicals. Be careful around stairs! Carrying heavy items up and down the stairs can lead to falls and injuries. Take your time, and do several trips if required. Use the same caution as with the other activities when lifting heavy items. Have a good stretch, and bend at the knees when lifting items out of storage or when carrying laundry or moving furniture!
Enjoy the Crisp Weather!
I know many of you have been looking forward to relief from the hot summer, sweater weather, pumpkin patches, and Halloween. The days will be getting shorter, but enjoy all that this beautiful season has to offer!
I’m here to serve the health needs of yourself and your circle of family and friends. Remember, I will always accept your referrals as members of my practice.
Dr. Peter Fraser
32 Brock Road North
Puslinch, Ontario
TeL: 519 763 1200
http://www.aberfoylefamilychiropractic.com
