Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects about 10% of people in their lifetime, making it one of the leading causes of foot pain. In the United States, it accounts for 11–15% of all foot symptoms, with over 2 million people seeking treatment annually.
Chances are, you’re one of them—and you’re searching for an effective, holistic solution. What if I told you that chiropractic adjustments are the answer that you have been looking for?
In a controlled clinical trial at the University of Surrey, foot and ankle chiropractic adjustments outperformed orthotics in providing early pain relief for chronic plantar fasciitis. While both groups showed improvement, only the chiropractic group experienced a significant reduction in worst pain scores by the 15th session.
This trial showed that targeting the joint dysfunction directly actually works. And it works fast.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis? A Quick Look
Plantar fasciitis happens when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running from your heel to the base of your toes, becomes inflamed. This tissue is there to absorb shock and support the arch of your foot, but when it gets overworked, often from repetitive strains, tiny tears or microtears can form.
These tears lead to inflammation and, of course, pain. The pain tends to be at its worst in the morning, especially when you take your first few steps out of bed. It can also flare up after standing for long periods.
This happens because your fascia tightens up overnight or during periods of inactivity. So, when you move in the morning, that stretch hits the injured tissue and makes the pain feel even sharper.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis:
- Poor arch support or unsupportive footwear: Shoes with inadequate arch support or cushioning can place additional strain on the plantar fascia, particularly in individuals with flat feet or high arches. This can lead to inflammation over time.
- Long hours on your feet: Spending extended periods standing, especially on hard surfaces, increases pressure on the plantar fascia, making it more prone to strain and injury.
- Tight calf muscles or achilles tendons: Tightness in the calf muscles or Achilles tendon reduces the flexibility of the foot and forces the plantar fascia to bear more stress during walking or standing.
- Biomechanical issues also known as Overpronation: Excessive inward rolling of your foot during walking or running can cause the plantar fascia to stretch unevenly, increasing the risk of injury.
- Sudden increases in activity levels: Jumping into new physical activities or increasing intensity too quickly can overload the plantar fascia, causing microtears and inflammation.
Over time, if left untreated, the pain associated with plantar fasciitis may not only stay localized in the heel but can radiate into the arch, ankle, or even up the leg. This can severely hinder your day-to-day activities.
Why Our Chiropractic Care Works
Your Denver chiropractor goes beyond just adjusting your spine. He takes a thoughtful, personalized approach, using safe and proven methods (it could be one of these four or a combination) to address the root of your problem. Here’s how he works:
Realigning Your Feet with Adjustments
Foot and ankle misalignments are often a major factor in plantar fasciitis, but they don’t always get the attention they need. Through precise adjustments, we can restore proper joint movement, easing pressure on the plantar fascia.
When your foot bones are properly aligned, it helps the entire body function better, reducing strain in places it doesn’t need to be.
Spinal and Pelvic Adjustments
It might seem surprising, but your spine and pelvis can also play a role in foot health. Misalignments higher up in the body can throw off how you walk and how weight is distributed across your feet.
Our spinal and pelvic adjustments correct these imbalances, ensuring you’re not putting extra stress on your fascia every time you take a step.
Targeted Soft Tissue Therapy
Tension in the calves, Achilles tendon, and surrounding muscles can contribute to the strain on your plantar fascia. Through advanced soft tissue therapy, we release this tension, improving blood flow, enhancing flexibility, and speeding up healing.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments we offer for stubborn cases of plantar fasciitis. It uses acoustic waves to break down trigger points and scar tissue, and the research backs it up.
In a recent clinical study of 56 patients with long-standing plantar fasciitis (averaging over two years of symptoms), Shockwave Therapy showed consistent, progressive improvement across every major health marker. Pain, function, and quality of life all got better. Here’s what that looked like:
- Pain dropped significantly. Patients went from an average pain score of 8.3 out of 10 to just 5.1 after 12 weeks.
- Mobility improved. Scores from a foot function questionnaire (AOFAS) showed better movement and less stiffness.
- Quality of life got better. Patients reported feeling stronger, more active, and even more mentally clear in areas like vitality, social life, and daily function.
That’s why I highly recommend shockwave therapy to most of my patients because it’s not just effective, it actually works, and it’s backed up by real-world results.
Final Thoughts
Plantar fasciitis doesn’t go away on its own, and painkillers or arch supports alone won’t fix the real problem. We use only the safest and proven treatments like Shockwave Therapy and precise chiropractic adjustments to target the root cause, not just the symptoms.
Our goal is simple: get you out of pain and back on your feet fast. Book an Appointment Now and Save on Your First Visit or Call (720) 573-4910 to start your recovery today.
FAQs About Plantar Fasciitis
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is most often caused by overuse, poor foot mechanics, tight calf muscles, or long hours on your feet. Factors like weight gain, improper footwear, or sudden increases in physical activity can also trigger it.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Foot and Heel Pain?
Yes. Chiropractic care is a safe, non-invasive option for treating plantar fasciitis. We utilize precise, evidence-based methods to address imbalances in your posture, gait, and foot alignment—all of which contribute to heel pain.
Can Plantar Fasciitis Come Back After Treatment?
It can if the underlying issues aren’t addressed. That’s why we don’t just treat symptoms—we help you correct movement patterns, improve mobility, and strengthen supporting muscles to reduce the risk of recurrence.