Plantar Fasciitis in Spring House PA

Plantar fasciitis is defined as an inflammation of the plantar fascia or plantar aponeurosis.  The plantar fascia is a thin band of tissue that runs from the heel to the base of the toes.  Plantar fasciitis in Spring House typically develops over a long period of time.  The soft tissues of the foot can be stressed by the following:

• Repetitive motions that stress the muscles of the foot and legs.
• Flat or high arches
• Standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time.
• Shoes that do not provide the proper foot support.
• Poor foot biomechanics i.e. excessive pronation of the foot.
• Muscles imbalances and restrictions in the legs and feet.
• Trauma to the foot.

With these repeated stressors to the foot, the fascia and the surrounding soft tissue develop small tears.

Since people are continually on their feet, the soft tissue has little time to heal properly.  These tissues then become inflamed and irritated.

Restrictive scar tissue forms over the injured and inflamed tissue resulting in a shortening of the plantar fascia and/or aponeurosis.   Scar tissue may also bind adjacent tissues together preventing them from moving freely over each other.  This can cause further friction and inflammation.

Nerves can also become entrapped in the scar tissue causing sharp pain, numbness or tingling.  This is common and often overlooked in most soft tissue treatments.  The Tibial nerve can become entrapped in the calf muscle and cause pain at the inner arch of the foot.

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Plantar fasciitis treatment in Spring House 

Standard medical treatments fail to address the deep soft tissue structures of the foot.  One must take into account other soft tissue restrictions that cause excessive pronation of the foot such as calf muscles, hamstrings, internal and external hip rotators as well as the other muscles of the foot.

Active Release breaks up these restrictions within the muscles allowing them to move freely upon one another as well as taking the stress off the tendons attached to the muscles.  All restrictions must be released in order to resolve the problem.

Active Release Technique is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement-based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.  It is a complex treatment system that address the deeper adhesions within the soft tissue as well as in between 2 soft tissue structures.  There is no other soft tissue treatment that can compare to one given by a skilled Active Release Provider.

Class IV Laser Therapy is an FDA cleared therapeutic treatment that manages pain and inflammation while accelerating tissue regeneration.  Laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen, and nutrients to the damaged area.  This creates and optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm, stiffness and pain.

Both treatments are effective at treating Plantar Fasciitis alone.  In combination, they achieve better and quicker results.

Orthotics can be a great adjunct and help correct foot mechanics but restrictions in the soft tissue still need to be addressed in order to resolve Plantar Fasciitis.

Steroid injections should be avoided whenever possible. Research has shown that more than three or four steroid injections in a year can weaken tendons, damage joints, and can cause weight gain, diabetes, osteoporosis, and ulcers.