Plantar Fasciitis

What It Is

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It happens when the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue along the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated, inflamed, or develops small areas of degeneration from repetitive stress.

It is often not just a foot problem. Tight calves, poor ankle mobility, and abnormal foot mechanics can all place extra stress on the plantar fascia.

Common Symptoms

• Sharp, stabbing heel pain with the first steps in the morning
• Pain after long periods of standing or after rest
• Pain along the arch
• Pain that eases with movement and returns later in the day

What Causes It

• Tight calf muscles and Achilles tendon
• Poor ankle mobility
• Flat feet or high arches
• Unsupportive footwear
• Increases in running or standing
• Weight gain

How We Treat It

Every plan starts with a full evaluation to find the cause, not just the spot that hurts. We look at your foot mechanics, ankle mobility, calf flexibility, gait, and overall movement patterns. Depending on your exam, your care may include:

• Radial Shockwave Therapy* High-energy acoustic waves stimulate blood flow and tissue regeneration in chronic cases.
• Class 3B Cold Laser* Reduces inflammation and supports cellular healing.
• Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy (Scraping) Specialized tools used to break down adhesions in the fascia and calf.
• Foot & Ankle Adjustments Restore motion and improve foot mechanics.
• Custom Orthotics* Support the arch and reduce strain on the fascia.

*Offered at select offices. See Locations for what each office offers.

What to Expect

We evaluate your foot mechanics, ankle mobility, calf flexibility, and gait to find out why the condition developed, then build a plan to heal the tissue and correct the cause.

With the right care, most patients can expect:

• Pain-free first steps in the morning
• Standing and walking longer
• Getting back to running and the activities you love

Why Chiropractic?

About 1 in 10 people will have plantar fasciitis at some point, and it is most common between ages 40 and 60. It is often not just a foot problem, so finding the cause, whether that is tight calves, stiff ankles, or foot mechanics, is the key to lasting relief.