Waking up and having pain the first step (the most common symptom of plantar fasciitis) sets you up for having a bad day. You’re discouraged. Then your mind keeps thinking the worst thoughts. Thoughts such as, ‘I need surgery’ or ‘I need an injection’. However, you need to be aware that these symptoms are manageable through conservative means.
1 Problem
One of the problems I see is that many people believe that foot pain is always plantar fasciitis. This isn’t always the case. When you look at what’s underneath the skin in your lower legs there are many tendons, muscles, ligaments, bones, nerves and a little bit of fascia.
Plantar fasciitis is only one of many problems in the foot. Often times foot pain is misdiagnosed. And even worse is the belief that is must be coming from a heel spur (heel spurs don’t always cause pain nor do they always need surgery).
Before you self diagnosis your problem and search the internet for home remedies or invasive procedures, consult with a doctor you already trust and hear their opinion.
1 Solution
There are a few four letter words in health care that many providers don’t like to use. Words like ‘disc’. The reason why is often people think there is only one solution to a ‘disc’ and that is surgery. They envision themselves going under the knife, being unconscious for hours and being one of the statistics that require you to sign the four page waiver before an operation.
Many people I meet with foot pain jump the conclusion that the one and only solution to their problem is surgery.
This is not the case. More times than not, it only needs to be the last step.
1 Provider
Lastly, the podiatrist does not always have the best solutions. Don’t get more wrong here. No provider has more training on the foot than a podiatrist, however I (respectfully to the podiatrist) ask you to evaluate their treatment options before you consult with them.
There are many conservative care providers you should consult with before seeing the podiatrist.
Your chiropractor is a good place to start. They have extensive training in the whole body and most chiropractors will be able to tell you if they’re able to help you or not.
Your physical therapist is another great choice. They’ll be able to diagnose your condition and give you in office treatments plus home care.
Your massage therapist and acupuncturist are also great conservative care providers who can likely help you too. Both of them will be able to provide treatments that will reduce the tension that is straining your feet.
Lastly, remember that 83% of plantar fasciitis patients respond favorably to stretching and strengthening programs. You shouldn’t need extensive or expensive care.
In this video there are some helpful tips, but will be re-recorded with better information:
Reach out if you need help solving your foot pain. You can contact us through our website www.coorwellness.com or if you want to tell us more about your symptoms privately, you can complete this form: https://forms.gle/x33k4xmGL3QpDKBd7
About Dr. Christianson and COOR Wellness
After watching his dad’s marathon injuries Dr. Bryce Christianson decided he needed to find better ways to improve soft-tissue injuries. He had the priceless opportunity to learn how to care for Plantar Fasciitis under Dr. Josh Sandell, one of the best sports injury doctors in the United States. His collaborative wellness center, COOR Wellness, is in Grand Junction, Colorado and they serve athletic Coloradans who are experiencing pain. Dr. Christianson is a doctor of chiropractic. You can visit his PF Webpage here
