Aligned Integrated Health
Plantar Fasciitis: Heel Pain Causes and Care
When Your First Steps Hurt
Plantar fasciitis is irritation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot that supports the arch. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain, and it usually hurts most with the first steps in the morning or after sitting. At Aligned Integrated Health, plantar fasciitis treatment in Scottsdale is part of our foot and ankle pain care.
This page explains what causes plantar fasciitis, how it feels, and how custom orthotics and chiropractic care can help.
- A foot scan or impression and an alignment exam
- Foot Levelers custom orthotics that support all three arches
- Massage therapy and exercises for tight calves and feet
What Plantar Fasciitis Feels Like
The plantar fascia works like a bowstring under the arch. When it is overloaded, it becomes irritated where it attaches to the heel, which is why the pain is usually felt under the heel or along the arch.
Key Features:
- First Step Pain: Sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning or after sitting.
- Pain That Eases, Then Returns: It often loosens up with walking, then aches again after a long day on your feet.
- Arch Tightness: A tight, pulling feeling along the bottom of the foot.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis usually comes from repeated strain rather than a single injury. Here is what drives it and how we approach it.
Common Causes
Flat or high arches, feet that roll inward, tight calf muscles, standing or walking on hard surfaces for long hours, sudden increases in running or walking, worn out or unsupportive shoes, and extra body weight all raise the load on the plantar fascia. Runners are especially prone to it, which is why it also appears in our guide to running injuries.
Plantar Fasciitis Orthotics: Why Arch Support Matters
Because plantar fasciitis is tied to how the arch carries weight, arch support is often part of the plan. We offer Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics, made from a scan or impression of your feet and designed to support all three arches. Dr. Dan recommends them when your exam shows they fit your situation.
Can a Chiropractor Help With Plantar Fasciitis?
Seeing a chiropractor for plantar fasciitis makes sense because a chiropractor looks at the whole chain, from the foot and ankle up through the knee, hip and low back, since how you walk affects the load on the plantar fascia. Care may include custom foot orthotics, gentle adjustments for the joints above the foot, massage therapy for tight calves, and stretching and strengthening for the foot and lower leg.
What Makes Plantar Fasciitis Worse?
Walking barefoot on hard floors, worn out shoes, pushing through sharp pain with long runs or walks, and ignoring tight calves can all keep it irritated. Gentle calf and foot stretching and supportive footwear usually help more than complete rest.
When to See a Podiatrist or Doctor
See a podiatrist or medical doctor for heel pain after an injury, pain with swelling and redness, numbness or tingling in the foot, or heel pain that keeps you from bearing weight. We are glad to work alongside that care.
Related Conditions We Treat in Scottsdale
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help me with my plantar fasciitis?
Often, yes, especially by addressing foot mechanics, arch support and how you walk. Dr. Dan will refer you to a podiatrist if your heel pain needs that kind of care.
Do orthotics help plantar fasciitis?
For many people, arch support reduces the strain on the plantar fascia. We recommend custom orthotics based on your exam.
What's the worst thing you can do for plantar fasciitis?
Pushing through sharp pain, walking barefoot on hard floors, and wearing worn out shoes tend to keep it irritated.
Do you treat heel pain in Scottsdale?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome. Call (480) 661-1977.
Get Help for Heel Pain in Scottsdale, AZ
Aligned Integrated Health is at 10752 North 89th Place, Suite C130 in Scottsdale. Dr. Daniel J. Gerwig, D.C. has been practicing since 2001 and sees patients here himself. Most insurances are accepted and walk-ins are welcome.
New Patient Special. Includes the consultation, exam, report of findings and X-rays. See the current offer. Not valid for use with federally sponsored programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid.