Heel pain is an unwelcome companion for many, disrupting daily life and mobility. Whether it’s the sharp sting of plantar fasciitis or the throbbing discomfort of heel spurs, the impact can be huge. Without relief, you may even tread simply getting up and off the couch.
However, chiropractic care can offer a holistic way to tackle that nagging heel discomfort. So, in this article, we’ll talk about the causes of heel pain and outline five ways that chiropractors can help get you back on your feet. Should you consider it to finally say goodbye to your heel pain for good?
What Is the Cause of Heel Pain?
Heel pain stems from different conditions, each with unique causes and symptoms, affecting how comfortably and easily you move. Common causes include:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is typically caused by inflammation of the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis symptoms include stabbing pain near the heel. Fortunately, various plantar fasciitis treatments, like chiropractic care, exist to alleviate this discomfort and promote healing.
Stress Fractures and Nerve Problems
Tiny cracks in the heel bone due to repetitive stress or impact can result in acute pain and tenderness. Issues like tarsal tunnel syndrome or nerve entrapment can cause sharp, shooting pain in the heel.
Achilles Tendonitis
This condition, often caused by overuse or injury, leads to inflammation in the Achilles tendon, resulting in pain and stiffness. In fact, the heel itself can become swollen and painful.
Bone Spurs & Heel Spurs
Bone spurs, bony lumps along the edges of a bone, and heel spurs, pointed calcium deposits, can cause irritation and pain. Often, bone spurs occur due to conditions like arthritis. Meanwhile, heel spurs can arise from repetitive may result from arthritis, walking or running on a hard surface, and wearing improper footwear.
What Can a Chiropractor Do for Heel Pain?
Chiropractic care provides a variety of strategies to tackle heel pain. So, let’s explore how chiropractors use different techniques to alleviate discomfort and promote long-term healing:
1. Assessment and Diagnosis
Chiropractors are experts at conducting thorough assessments to pinpoint exactly what’s causing your heel pain. They dig into your medical history, analyze how you walk, and carry out specialized orthopedic and neurological tests. Their detailed evaluations help uncover contributing issues, paving the way for a personalized treatment plan that works best for you.
2. Spinal Adjustments
Heel pain is often related to spinal misalignments that affect nerve function and posture. Chiropractors use precise and gentle spinal adjustments to align the spine, easing pressure on nerves and correcting any imbalances that could be causing or worsening your heel pain.
3. Soft Tissue Techniques
Using different soft tissue therapies, chiropractors focus on the muscles, tendons, and tissue around your heel. They use techniques like myofascial release, massage, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to help loosen up stiffness, break down scar tissue, and improve blood flow.
4. Customized Exercise Plans
Chiropractors create exercise plans just for you, focusing on making the affected areas stronger and more flexible. These exercises are made to tackle the root cause of your heel pain and stop it from coming back. With a mix of stretches, strengthening exercises, and movements to improve flexibility, you’ll notice better movement and less pain.
5. Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice
Chiropractors don’t just stop at the clinic; they’re there to guide you on lifestyle changes and ergonomic tweaks. They’ll teach you how to pick the right shoes, keep good posture, and adopt healthy habits that ease the strain on your heel. This approach puts you in control, helping you make choices that aid your healing journey and keep heel pain at bay in the future.
Treating Heel Pain with Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care stands out for its holistic approach, not just targeting symptoms but diving into the root cause of heel pain. Knowing the various reasons for heel discomfort puts you in control to explore personalized treatments like chiropractic care.
At New Life Chiropractic in Montrose, we offer natural solutions for your heel pain or other complaints. Taking that step to seek expert guidance is key, so why wait? Reach out to us today and start your path toward a life free from heel pain.