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Fixing chronic foot pain
By Andreas Klein
Many of us
have had painful
feet at some time.
Plantar fasciitis is
one of the most
common causes.
Treatment options
include rest,
supportive shoes,
arch supports,
orthotics, stretching,
strengthening,
night splints, antiinflammatory agents or
surgery. Although these
measures may help,
some people still suffer for
a long time with little relief,
even after trying many of the
treatments just mentioned. Plantar
fasciitis pain can stop you walking,
running, working, playing , and leave
you feeling debilitated and frustrated
when you can’t resolve it.
It is important to note that
some other conditions may mimic
plantar fasciitis. For example stress
fractures to the bones of the foot,
gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis,
entrapment of the tibial nerve in
the tarsal tunnel, tendonitis of foot
tendons, bursitis as well as vascular
issues (e.g. pooling in the veins of the
foot) can have symptoms very similar
to plantar fasciitis. These need to be
treated differently and may need to
be ruled out before treatment.
If the problem definitely is plantar
fasciitis, then technically, things like
overpronation, different leg lengths,
lateral tibial torsion, &
femoral anteversion may be
a cause. But in most cases
it is simple micro-trauma
to the plantar-fascia itself,
from things like ‘overuse’ or
‘excessive weight bearing
activities’ that is the most
common cause of plantar
fasciitis.
Such overuse eventually
causes injury to the
ligaments, tendons and even
muscles the foot. These tissues
begin to swell with toxin-filled
fluids causing connective
tissues & nerves in the affected
areas to become inflamed
and painful. Though the
swelling is mostly very
localised, it still reduces
blood & lymph flow to the
affected tissue and this sustains the
cycle of inflammation & pain. In most
instances the solution lies in:
1. Reducing stressors (temporarily
stop running, weight bearing
exercise or weight loss, etc)
2. Improving nutrient intake so the
body can resist stressors
3. Removing inflammatory build-up
in the foot & calf, and lengthening
affected muscles and connective
tissues
Following these simple steps
allows foot tissue to heal and return
to normal function, and often relieves
foot pain completely, even in many
long standing cases.
Andreas Klein 0418 166 269
Nutritionist & Remedial Therapist
BSc, Adv Dip Nut Med, DRM
HAWKESBURY DISTRICT INDEPENDENT NEWS www.hdinews.com.au
Simply Affordable.
Supporting Western Sydney
families for over 25 years
98 Station Street, Penrith Ph. 4721 7776
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ISSUE 60 // MAY 2015 29