WLM
| health
Dylan N. Milam, DC, DACBSP
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition causing heel pain. Supporting
the arch, the plantar fascia, a thick band
of tissue connecting the heel to the ball
of the foot, can become inflamed or can
tear. The condition develops when repeated weight-bearing activities put a
strain on the plantar fascia. The pain is
most often present at the heel, or along
the arch and the ball of the foot.
There are many factors that can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. The population over age
forty is more predisposed to this condition. A job, sport, or hobby that involves prolonged standing or other
weight-bearing activity also increases
the chances of this condition. A rapid
increase in length or levels of activity, such as beginning a new running
program or changing to a job that requires a lot more standing or walking
than you are accustomed to can set the
stage. Decreased calf muscle flexibility,
increased body weight and a flat foot
(pronation) are also factors. Plantar
fasciitis affects people of all ages, both
athletes and non-athletes. The condition can develop in athletes who run a
great deal and in non-athletes who are
on their feet most of the day, for example police officers, cashiers, or restaurant workers. Men and women have an
equal chance of developing the condition.
The onset of symptoms of plantar fasciitis frequently occurs with a sudden
increase in activity. You might feel a
stabbing pain on the underside of your
heel, and a sensation of tightness and/or
tenderness along your arch. Walking
barefoot or in shoes with poor support
will exacerbate this condition. With
plantar fasciitis you may experience
pain in the morning, when stepping
out of bed and taking the first steps
of the day, with prolonged standing,
and when standing up after sitting for
a long period of time. As your body
warms up, your pain may actually decrease during the day but then worsen again toward the end of the day
because of extended walking. Severe
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Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine | Fall 2014
symptoms may cause you to limp.
Diagnosis is based on your health, activity history and a clinical evaluation.
Information about the relationship of
your symptoms to your work and recreation, and reporting any lifestyle changes, will help diagnose your condition
and tailor a treatment program for your
specific needs.
When you are diagnosed with plantar
fasciitis, you must work to develop a
program to decrease your symptoms.
This may include stretching exercises
to improve the flexibility of your ankle
and the plantar fascia, or use of a night
splint to maintain correct ankle and
toe positions during periods of resting.
Selection of supportive footwear and/or
shoe inserts that minimize foot pronation and reduce stress to the plantar
fascia can be helpful. Application of
ice to decrease pain and inflammation and taping can also be helpful.
Prevention or management of plantar
fasciitis includes many factors. Choose
shoes with good arch support and replace your shoes regularly, so that they
better support and provide shock absorption to your feet. Apply good principles to your exercise program, such as
including a warm-up and cool down, in
addition to gradually building up the
intensity and duration of your exercises to avoid straining the plantar fascia.
Stretching your calves and feet before
and after running or walking is a must.
Maintaining a healthy body weight also
helps decrease the stress through the
foot. Physical therapy including stretching, strengthening, manual techniques
and dry needling are good initial treatment options.
Research shows that most cases of plantar fasciitis improve over time with
these conservative treatments, and surgery is rarely required.
Dr. Dylan N. Milam, Chiropractic Provider for University
of Wyoming Intercollegiate Athletics, was born and raised in
Laramie, Wyoming and graduated with a degree in Exercise
and Sports Science from the University of Wyoming. Following undergraduate studies Dr. Milam attended Western
States Chiropractic College in Portland, Oregon and earned
his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. After graduating, he practiced in Portland for two years before returning to Laramie
and opening a practice. Dr. Milam’s clinical focus, in addition to disorders of the spine and pelvis, is on conservative management of cumulative trauma disorders, sports medicine and functional progressive rehabilitation. Dr. Milam is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He is a Diplomate Chiropractic Sports Physician through the American Chiropractic Board
of Sports Physicians. (ACBSP), which consists of extra training in prevention,
diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries.