What’s Causing My Heel Pain and How Chiropractic Care Can Help

By Dr. Drew Voelsch

What’s Causing My Heel Pain and How Chiropractic Care Can Help

By Dr. Drew Voelsch

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Heel pain is a common and often debilitating condition that can significantly impact your daily life. It has many causes, such as injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. Fortunately, treatments are available to help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with heel pain. One such treatment is chiropractic care. 

What Is Chiropractic Care? 

Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system. It is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions, including back and neck pain, headaches, and joint pain. Chiropractic care is also used to treat heel pain, as it can help to reduce inflammation and improve mobility in the foot and ankle.

Common Causes and Treatment

1. Plantar Fasciitis

If you feel pain in the heel of your foot, you probably have plantar fasciitis. It is caused by damage or irritation to the thick band of tissue known as the plantar fascia, which runs from the toes to the heel and helps support the arch of the foot. When the plantar fascia becomes swollen and irritated, it can cause pain in the heel.

A chiropractor uses manual manipulation to reduce pain and inflammation in and around the feet and improve joint mobility. They may also recommend certain stretching and strengthening exercises to help alleviate symptoms.

2. Bone Spurs

Bone spurs are small, extra pieces of bone that grow along the edges of the joints or bones. Many factors, such as age-related wear and tear, arthritis, or an injury, can cause them. The spurs can press against tissue like muscles, ligaments, and other bones, leading to pain, tingling, or numbness. In some cases, nerve compression may be the main culprit.

In terms of treatment, chiropractors use techniques, such as spinal manipulation, to help patients with bone spurs manage their pain and improve mobility. These techniques can help reduce the size of the bone spur and lessen the pain associated with it.

3. Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis happens when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed. It is a tissue band connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. The cause is associated with a repetitive or intense activity that puts strain on the Achilles tendon, such as running or jumping. Symptoms may include pain in the back of the heel and difficulty walking.

Chiropractors can utilize manual manipulation, soft tissue techniques, stretching, strengthening exercises, and lifestyle modifications to manage tendinopathy. They may also use ultrasound or laser therapy to reduce pain and speed healing.

4. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a disorder that results from the squeezing or constriction of the tibial nerve that runs through the ankle. It can be caused by swelling, inflammation in this area, and certain medical conditions like diabetes and arthritis. People with this condition may experience pain, tingling, and numbness in the foot and lower leg.

Much like Achilles tendonitis, chiropractors rely on manual adjustments to relieve tension on the tibial nerve and massage to reduce inflammation and swelling. Lifestyle changes, orthotics, compression socks, and physical therapy may help manage the condition.

In Conclusion

Heel pain happens for many reasons, from stress fractures to plantar fasciitis. Chiropractic care offers a safe and effective way to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help the body heal itself. Chiropractors are trained to identify the source of the pain and provide tailored treatment plans that can help alleviate the pain, prevent further damage, and, oftentimes, reverse it. 

Get chiropractic treatments for heel pain and other related conditions at Hawkeye Chiropractic. Our experienced Arlington chiropractors are committed to helping you recover and function normally again. Call us today to book an appointment!

 

“Dr Drew is upfront about what’s going on with your body. He helps work with you to achieve the goals that you as a patient want to set. I highly recommend him to those interested in chiropractic services.P.S Go Cyclones!”

Pronoy DasGupta