Plantar Fascitis, Heel Spurs, and Achilles Tendon Rupture: Treatment With Rapid and Lasting Results

Imagine waking up in the morning and getting up from bed. Ouch! There's intense foot pain throughout the arch and focusing near the heel. The pain continues every step, lessening more from endurance and personal fortitude than actual relief.

This is textbook plantar fascitis. The plantar fascia is a tough sheet of connective tissue which stretches across the sole of the foot from the ball to the heel. It spans the arch of the foot like the string of a bow. (The bow would be the bones of the foot which form the arch.) Add gravity to the equation and it is obvious that the fascia must stretch under the entire weight of the body. One problem: The plantar fascia doesn't like to be stretched. When it is stretched, it becomes inflamed and voila: plantar fascitis.

At first look, it appears nature has a faulty design, but one more component requires consideration: The muscles. There are several muscles whose job it is to hold up the arch of the foot and maintain proper biomechanics. Anterior and posterior tibialis are just two major players. The foot also has its own intrinsic muscles which fortify the arch. If they become neurologically inhibited (weakened), the arch will fall and the fascia is all that remains. These muscles are innervated by the lower lumbar and sacral cord levels in the back which join to form the sciatic nerve and eventually travel through the tarsal tunnel in the ankle. Ergo, any lumbosacral (low back) misalignment or tarsal tunnel syndrome due to ankle dysfunction can inhibit (weaken) these muscles. All must be properly assessed and ruled out.

Another player is the triceps surae, the calf muscles attaching to the Achilles tendon, if they become over-facilitated (tight) the heel bone is pulled posteriorly - also stretching the plantar fascia and causing inflammation. Tightness here can be THE predisposing factor for Achilles rupture as well.

Another common sequella of plantar fascitis is a heel spur. When the body has inflammation, calcium infiltrates the tissue and can calcify, or harden into bone. A heel spur is exactly that: calcification of the plantar fascia (and sometimes the Achilles tendon).

All of these complications can be made better by balancing the aforementioned muscles. (Achilles tendon rupture requires surgical repair first, but with corrected muscles healing is accelerated and pain is more easily managed.)

Pain medications should only be considered for temporary relief. Orthotics may be permanently necessary when there are anatomical deformations. Surgery is rarely necessary and should only be considered when other options are exhausted.

The most economical and lasting option is to find a chiropractor skilled in applied kinesiology. A professional applied kinesiologist will isolate the muscles and manually test them, then (s)he will test the best way to strengthen the weak/inhibited muscles. Spinal or extremity joint manipulation, orthopedic massage, or nutrition may be recommended to achieve this balance.

There is no need to suffer any longer. Seek out the nearest professional applied kinesiologist and get relief. For information on how to find a professional applied kinesiologist, visit the International College of Applied Kinesiology online.