Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis Chiropractic Care in Ormond Beach
Heel pain from plantar fasciitis can make every step uncomfortable, whether you’re getting out of bed in the morning, exercising, or simply walking through your day. At New Journey Chiropractic, we take a whole-body, neurologically-focused approach to evaluate factors that may be contributing to your foot and heel pain and develop a personalized care plan to help you move more comfortably.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from your heel toward your toes becomes irritated or overloaded. Repetitive stress can contribute to changes in the tissue, leading to pain and stiffness, especially after periods of rest.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Sharp pain on the bottom of the heel
- Pain with the first few steps in the morning
- Heel pain after sitting or resting
- Pain that may improve after the first few steps but return after prolonged standing or activity
- Tenderness when pressing on the inside of the heel
- Tightness in the arch or calf muscles
- Pain after exercise rather than during activity
- Difficulty walking barefoot on hard surfaces
Possible Causes
Plantar fasciitis can develop when repeated stress places more load on the plantar fascia than it can comfortably tolerate. Factors that may contribute include:
- Overuse from running, walking, or prolonged standing
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon
- Limited ankle mobility
- Flat feet or high arches
- Changes in foot mechanics or walking patterns
- Inadequate or worn-out footwear
- Sudden increases in physical activity
- Increased load or stress on the feet
- Occupations that require standing for long periods
Red Flags
While plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, other conditions can produce similar symptoms, including stress fractures, nerve entrapment, inflammatory arthritis, heel pad syndrome, or tendon injuries.
Seek prompt medical evaluation if you experience severe heel pain after an injury, are unable to bear weight, develop significant swelling or redness, have signs of infection, experience worsening numbness or weakness, or develop unexplained heel pain accompanied by fever.
How New Journey Chiropractic Approaches Care
At New Journey Chiropractic, we look beyond the painful area to evaluate factors that may be contributing to plantar fasciitis. Foot and ankle mobility, walking patterns, posture, and the way the knees, hips, pelvis, and spine function together can all influence how forces are distributed through your feet.
Our comprehensive evaluation may include:
- Detailed health history and orthopedic examination
- Gait and posture assessment
- Foot and ankle mobility evaluation
- Neurological examination when appropriate
- Assessment of hip, knee, pelvis, and spinal biomechanics
Your individualized care plan may include:
- Gentle chiropractic adjustments to areas of the feet, ankles, knees, hips, pelvis, or spine when appropriate
- Soft tissue therapies to reduce muscle tension
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization when indicated
- Stretching exercises for the plantar fascia, calves, and Achilles tendon
- Strengthening exercises to improve foot stability
- Self-care recommendations to help manage discomfort
- Activity modification guidance
- Footwear recommendations and guidance when appropriate
- Home exercises to improve flexibility and mobility
If your examination suggests a condition outside the scope of chiropractic care or one that requires additional imaging or medical evaluation, we will help coordinate the appropriate next step.
Collaboration With Other Healthcare Providers
If your examination suggests a stress fracture, significant nerve involvement, infection, tendon injury, or another condition requiring additional evaluation, we will coordinate care with your primary care provider, podiatrist, orthopedic specialist, or other healthcare professional as appropriate.
Can chiropractic help plantar fasciitis?
Chiropractic care may help improve foot and ankle mechanics, restore joint mobility, reduce stress on the plantar fascia, and improve overall movement patterns. Treatment is individualized based on your examination findings.
How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?
Recovery varies from person to person. Many patients begin noticing improvement within several weeks when they combine in-office treatment with home stretching, proper footwear, and activity modifications. Long-standing cases may require additional time.
Should I continue exercising?
In many cases, yes. However, certain activities may need to be temporarily modified while your foot heals. Low-impact exercises are often recommended during recovery.
What shoes are best for plantar fasciitis?
Supportive shoes with good arch support and cushioning are generally recommended. Walking barefoot on hard surfaces may increase symptoms for some individuals.
When should I seek medical care?
You should seek prompt medical evaluation if your heel pain follows a significant injury, you cannot bear weight, have increasing swelling or redness, develop fever, numbness, or if your symptoms do not improve with conservative care.
Ready to Get Back to Moving Comfortably?
Heel pain can interfere with walking, exercising, working, and the activities you enjoy. Our team is here to evaluate factors that may be contributing to your discomfort and develop a personalized care plan to support better movement and function.
Or call our office to learn how New Journey Chiropractic can help you take the next step toward moving more comfortably.
Related Conditions
- Heel Pain
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Flat Feet
- Ankle Pain
- Running Injuries
- Low Back Pain
- Hip Pain
Meet Dr. Jayme
Jayme Frear is a Registered Nurse and Doctor of Chiropractic who is currently working toward her Master of Science in Chiropractic Pediatrics. Her approach to care focuses on supporting healthy nervous system function through individualized chiropractic care for children, adults, and families.
At New Journey Chiropractic, we believe education is an important part of care. We help patients better understand the relationship between posture, the spine, the nervous system, and everyday habits so they can make informed choices that support their health and wellness.