The average, healthy individual takes 3,000-5,000 steps per day, not counting activities like running and aerobic exercise. But, many times those steps are made by people walking incorrectly, with poor gait patterns and bad posture.

Furthermore, a large number of individuals wear poorly-designed, incorrectly-fitting shoes. Moving the body through space improperly on feet that are impeded from functioning correctly cannot help but to create aches and pains not only in a number of places in the feet, but in other parts of the body, too.  For instance, if a person over-pronates (walks like a duck) in a pair of poorly-made or unevenly-worn shoes, or in any pair of high heels, that individual is not only likely to develop foot and ankle challenges, but will feasibly experience aches and pains in the back, knees and legs.

One of the most well-known foot problems is Plantar Fascitis (heel pain), which is generally caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a wonderfully-formed, multi-tasking band of connective tissue that encircles the muscles on the bottom of the foot, adheres the heel bone to the ball of the foot, supports the arch, safeguards the foot, and absorbs shock. Obviously, the healthy function of the plantar fascia is crucial for pain-free movement of the foot.

There are many determinants that can be considered reasons for the development of Plantar Fascitis. Short and tight calf muscles are one factor. Undue stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and fascia occurs when calf muscles get short and tight, exerting a strong pull on the back of the heel bone. You may be wondering how calf muscles get short and tight. Aside from aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, tennis, and similar activities that involve running and jumping, the wearing of high heels can cause the condition.

Other factors that contribute to Plantar Fascitis include sudden strenuous activity after a period of prolonged inactivity, aberrant walking patterns (such as over-pronation), unsuitable footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces (especially barefooted), and obesity.

Once an individual develops Plantar Fascitis, the condition is generally difficult to manage and can become extremely painful and persistent. Without proper treatment, Plantar Fascitis will only get worse.

If you are suffering from heel pain, your chiropractor will be able to determine the reason for your problem and what chiropractic therapies would be best suited. Management might include ultrasound therapy, laser, joint manipulation, Graston technique, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, kinesio taping and, in some cases, orthotics.

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