So, what is Plantar Fasciitis?

    Plantar fascial problems are very common and can affect a runner’s schedule and mileage because of the complications it can cause.  Plantar fasciitis is caused due to overuse and the repetitive nature of the pounding placed on your feet and ankles.  Two other common cause include: a heel or bone spur that has formed at the bottom of the heel; and a flat-footed or high arch in your foot.  It can cause sharp, achy, and sometimes radiating pain from the heel to the toes or up into the calf (calves).  The pain could present after a long run an/or in the morning because we tend to sleep with our toes curled, placing increased stress and pressure on the plantar fascia.

    Plantar fasciitis is a misleading condition because of the nature of how it develops.  Usually accompanying plantar fascia injuries are calf and/or shin problems.  The plantar fascia acts like a sling to the Achilles tendon on the back of the calf because of its attachment into the heel.  When the plantar fascia activates, it pulls on the Achilles tendon to stabilize the ankle.  If the plantar fascia is injured, it is going to cause the muscles on the front of the shin to work harder to accomplish the motion in the ankle, thus leading to greater overuse and repetition.  

    If you are suffering from this problem, it is important to stretch the plantar fascia by using a tennis ball (elasticity under the foot) or a frozen water ball often to stretch and relax the tissue.  Also, Active Release Techniques (ART) ® works on stretching and relaxing the tissue because it will break the scar tissue formed from the repetitive nature of your activity and injury.  Also, an ART® provider will determine the cause of your plantar fascia and treat the problem(s) quickly and effectively.   Get the help you need so you can do what you enjoy most over this running season!

Dr. Brian Marion, DC, ART® (only ART® provider in Lincoln Park)
2202 N. Lincoln Ave.  Suite 1
Chicago, Illinois 60614
773-525-5922