Plantar Fasciitis: Is it coming from the calf muscle?

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. The condition can be caused by a number of factors, including overuse, improper footwear, and foot mechanics. However, recent research has also suggested that tightness in the calf muscles can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.

The calf muscles play a key role in foot mechanics, as they help to control the movement of the ankle joint. When the calf muscles are tight or restricted, this can limit the range of motion of the ankle, which in turn can put additional strain on the plantar fascia. Over time, this can lead to micro-tears and inflammation in the fascia, resulting in the characteristic pain and stiffness associated with plantar fasciitis.

There are several stretches and exercises that can help to loosen and strengthen the calf muscles, which in turn can reduce the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Some effective stretches include the calf stretch, where you stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall and your feet staggered, and the soleus stretch, where you place one foot behind the other and bend both knees, keeping your heels on the ground.

In addition to stretching, it may also be necessary to improve the mechanics of the foot joint.  This is where chiropractic comes in.  Many times the tight calf muscle has changed the way the joints in the foot work and stretching alone won’t fix it.  The mechanics of the joints need to be evaluated and any areas that aren’t working properly need to be corrected so the condition can heal.  This is done with gentle adjustments to the joints of the foot.   Sometimes, myofascial work needs to be done to the calf as stretching alone won’t fix the problem.  We’ve helped many people overcome plantar fasciitis by improving how the muscle and foot work.  If you are having a problem with plantar fasciitis and want to see if we can help you, just click the get started button below to schedule a consultation.