Plantar fasciitis is an injury to connective tissue on the bottom of the foot. To appreciate the Chain Reaction Biomechanics of the CAUSES of plantar fasciitis, the function of this tissue must be understood, particularly as it pertains to walking. The plantar fascia (PF) runs from the inside side of the bottom of the heel, and extends down the length of the foot connecting to the toes. The PF supports the arch of the foot, especially from just before your foot comes off the ground during walking.
As the foot lands on the ground, foot goes through pronation. Pronation of the foot creates mobility in the foot. This mobility allows the foot to adapt to the surface. The arch lowers under the weight of the body and the tissues are loaded. This loading function must very quickly transform into an exploding function (propulsion). The foot is transformed from a mobile to a stable structure by supination of the foot. When the foot is in a supinated position, the foot is stable for propulsion. The PF contributes to this stability. If, in certain circumstances, the foot does not supinate, then the foot stability will be lacking. Without the bony, capsular and muscular support to foot, the PF will be required to handle more stress. The excessive strain that results can produce the clinical symptoms known as plantar fasciitis. The most common consequence is a partial tearing of the PF from the heel.
Many, but not all, of people experiencing plantar fasciitis have the “unlocked” foot because of failure of the foot to adequately supinate prior to the push off phase of walking. The CAUSE may be anywhere in the body.
SAME SIDE LEG – In the same side leg, the suspects are those dysfunctions that allow excessive pronation of the foot, or prevent the supination of the foot.
OPPOSITE SIDE LEG – In the opposite side leg, the causes are conditions that prevent proper push off of that leg. Effective push off rotates the pelvis towards the front leg. The pelvis rotation causes the front leg to rotate outward, assisting supination of the foot.
Trunk/Core – In walking, and especially running, the abilities of the butt muscles of the landing leg depend on having a mobile, but stable pelvis at the same time. If the Core muscles are not lengthened and activated, the pelvis will not have mobile-stability, resulting in “functional” weakness of the same side hip muscles.
Effective examination of all the causes, while integrated with the rest of the body, is the power Superior Physical Therapy treatment style. Without an analysis that is looking to determine the cause of plantar fasciitis the permanent solution will not be found and the person will continue to treat the symptoms only. If you would like to learn more about successful treatment strategies for plantar fasciitis please consider coming to our FREE Achilles Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis Workshop by either calling 231.944.6541 or click the image below to register online!
DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Superior Physical Therapy does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions or other information that may be mentioned on this website. Reliance on any information appearing on this website is solely at your own risk.
Recommended Posts: