Condition Guide
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of pain near the bottom of the heel. CorAxis evaluates the foot and ankle while also considering calf mobility, walking mechanics, activity level, footwear, and movement throughout the lower body.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this tissue becomes irritated and painful.
A common symptom is heel pain with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for a long time. The discomfort may improve after moving for a few minutes and then return after prolonged standing, walking, running, or exercise.
Contributing factors may include a sudden increase in activity, repeated impact, prolonged standing, tight calf muscles, limited ankle mobility, foot mechanics, or footwear that does not match the person’s needs.
Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Stress fractures, nerve irritation, Achilles tendon problems, arthritis, and other conditions can create similar symptoms.
How CorAxis Evaluates and May Support Plantar Fasciitis
Dr. Angie Espinal reviews when the pain began, where it is located, how it responds to activity, and whether there has been an injury or change in exercise.
The evaluation may include foot and ankle mobility, calf flexibility, tenderness, balance, walking mechanics, lower-extremity movement, footwear, and the way the knees, hips, and pelvis move during activity.
When conservative care is appropriate, recommendations may include movement assessment, muscle release therapy, corrective exercises, mobility work, cold laser therapy, kinesiology taping, or advice about activity modification and footwear.
The plan depends on the examination. The goal is to address movement and mechanical factors that may be placing repeated stress on the foot.
Safety and When Medical Referral Is Needed
Medical evaluation may be needed when heel pain follows significant trauma, the patient cannot bear weight, or there is severe swelling, warmth, redness, fever, an open wound, or signs of infection.
Persistent numbness, burning, significant weakness, unexplained swelling, or symptoms associated with diabetes or circulation problems may also require evaluation by a medical doctor, podiatrist, orthopedic specialist, or another qualified provider.
If Dr. Espinal believes the symptoms may be caused by a fracture, nerve condition, systemic illness, or another problem that is not appropriate for chiropractic care, she will explain the findings and make the appropriate referral.
Safe care includes recognizing when foot pain needs a different type of evaluation.
Schedule a Foot and Heel Pain Evaluation
Visit CorAxis in Spartanburg for a personalized evaluation of foot mobility, walking mechanics, muscle function, and lower-body movement.