Plantar Fasciitis Chiropractor Louisville KY
Plantar fasciitis often results from inflammation, overuse, or misalignment in the foot. This can lead to heel pain and stiffness, making walking or standing difficult. It can worsen over time without proper treatment, causing chronic discomfort and reduced mobility.
At Westport Chiropractic and Rehab in Louisville, KY, Dr. Randall Wheeler, D.C., specializes in chiropractic care for plantar fasciitis. Our plantar fasciitis specialist uses gentle adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and corrective exercises to relieve pain and improve foot function. His personalized treatment plans address the root cause of the issue, helping patients heal naturally without relying on medication or surgery.
Our clinic is located at 4169 Westport Rd, Louisville, KY 40207, and we are currently offering a new patient special offer.
Speak with our chiropractor for plantar fasciitis near you and schedule a detailed consultation.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis happens when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue supporting the foot arch, becomes inflamed or irritated. This tissue absorbs shock and helps with movement, but too much stress can lead to small tears and pain.
Pain is often worse in the morning or after long periods of rest. Without treatment, plantar fasciitis can become chronic and affect mobility.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday to Thursday
8:30am – 12:00pm
2:30pm – 6:00pm
Friday to Sunday
Closed
Westport Chiropractic and Rehab
4169 Westport Rd #107
Louisville, KY 40207
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis symptoms include:
- Sharp or stabbing pain in the heel—especially when taking the first steps in the morning.
- Pain after prolonged standing or walking, often worsening throughout the day.
- Stiffness and tightness in the foot arch after rest or inactivity.
- Increased discomfort after exercise, but not usually during physical activity.
- Swelling or tenderness in the heel or bottom of the foot.
- A burning or aching sensation along the sole, particularly near the heel.
How Is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing plantar fasciitis involves:
- Medical History Review: Discuss symptoms, daily activities, and past injuries.
- Physical Examination: Checking for tenderness, swelling, and pain points along the heel and arch.
- Gait and Posture Analysis: Evaluating how walking patterns and foot alignment contribute to the condition.
- Range of Motion Tests: Assessing flexibility and tightness in the foot, ankle, and calf muscles.
- Imaging Tests (If Needed): In severe cases, X-rays or ultrasounds may rule out fractures, heel spurs, or other conditions.
How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis treatment reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and improves foot function.
Some common treatment methods include:
Soft Tissue Therapy
Tightness in the calves, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia can increase strain on the foot, leading to chronic foot pain and stiffness. Soft tissue therapy, such as massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy, helps break up adhesions and improve blood flow. This promotes healing and reduces muscle tension that contributes to plantar fasciitis discomfort.
Stretching & Strengthening Exercises
Tight calf and weak foot muscles can lead to poor biomechanics, placing more stress on the plantar fascia. Stretching exercises for the Achilles tendon, calves, and bottom of the foot helps improve flexibility. Additionally, strengthening exercises such as toe curls, arch lifts, and resistance band movements provide better foot stability.
Custom Orthotics & Footwear Adjustments
Wearing improper shoes with poor arch support or thin soles can worsen plantar fasciitis symptoms. Custom orthotics help distribute weight more evenly, reducing strain on the heel and arch. Supportive footwear with proper cushioning, a firm heel counter, and good arch support can help reduce the impact on the plantar fascia.
Cold Therapy & Anti-Inflammatory Techniques
Applying ice packs or rolling a frozen water bottle under the foot can help reduce inflammation and relieve heel pain after activity. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen may help manage discomfort but should be combined with other treatments for long-term relief.
Dry Needling for Pain Relief
Dry needling targets tight muscles and trigger points in the lower leg and foot, possibly contributing to plantar fasciitis pain. The doctor for plantar fasciitis will insert thin needles into the affected area. This will help release muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote healing.
Chiropractic Care for Plantar Fasciitis
Chiropractic care is an effective, non-invasive treatment for heel pain and foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis.
Some ways a chiro session can help with plantar fasciitis include:
- Reduces Inflammation: Gentle adjustments help improve blood flow, reducing swelling and stiffness in the foot.
- Improves Foot Alignment: Proper alignment reduces pressure on the heel pain and supports even weight distribution.
- Relieves Muscle Tightness: Chiropractic techniques target tight calf muscles and foot tissues, easing foot pain.
- Enhances Mobility: Increased flexibility helps prevent further strain on the plantar fascia.
The Chiropractic Treatment Process for Plantar Fasciitis
During your initial consultation, the chiropractor for plantar fasciitis will evaluate posture, gait, and foot mechanics to determine the best treatment plan. This can include:
Foot and Ankle Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments focus on realigning the foot and ankle joints to reduce excessive pressure on the plantar fascia. When these joints are misaligned, the body weight is unevenly distributed, increasing stress on the heel and arch. By gently adjusting the foot and ankle, chiropractors help restore proper movement and balance. This allows the plantar fascia to heal naturally.
Spinal and Pelvic Alignment
How your spine and pelvis are aligned affects how you walk and distribute weight on your feet. Misalignment in these areas can contribute to heel pain and foot strain by altering your posture and gait. Chiropractors for plantar fasciitis will assess spinal alignment and pelvic positioning to correct imbalances. This will ensure that weight is distributed evenly across both feet to reduce foot pain and prevent re-injury.
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Tight calf muscles and restricted movement in the Achilles tendon and foot ligaments can worsen plantar fasciitis pain. Soft tissue mobilization involves hands-on techniques to release tension, increase blood circulation, and reduce inflammation. This helps improve the range of motion in the foot and ankle while reducing stress on the plantar fascia.
Myofascial Release Therapy
Scar tissue and adhesions can form in the plantar fascia, restricting movement and causing persistent pain. Myofascial release therapy applies targeted pressure to break up these adhesions, enhancing flexibility and function in the foot. This technique is particularly effective for patients who experience chronic stiffness and restricted movement due to plantar fasciitis.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
A key part of long-term recovery involves stretching and strengthening exercises tailored to support the foot muscles, Achilles tendon, and calf muscles. The plantar fasciitis chiro will guide patients through specific movements that improve flexibility, enhance stability, and reduce the likelihood of recurring foot pain. Strengthening these muscles helps provide better arch support and reduces strain on the plantar fascia.
Gait and Posture Training
Improper walking mechanics or poor posture can contribute to ongoing heel pain. Plantar fasciitis chiropractors assess gait patterns and recommend adjusting foot positioning and posture to prevent excess strain on the plantar fascia. Patients may also receive custom footwear recommendations or orthotic support to ensure proper weight distribution and foot comfort.
Call for plantar fasciitis treatment near you and learn how we can help reduce your discomfort.
Schedule Chiro Consultation for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can make everyday activities painful and frustrating, but the right treatment can help you regain mobility and comfort. At Westport Chiropractic and Rehab, we offer personalized chiropractic care to address the root cause of heel pain and foot discomfort. Our goal is to reduce inflammation, improve alignment, and restore proper function so you can move freely again.
Call (502) 326-5000 to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor for plantar fasciitis in Louisville, KY!
FAQs
Physiotherapy and chiropractic care can help with plantar fasciitis, but they focus on different aspects. Physiotherapy emphasizes strengthening and stretching exercises, while chiropractic care addresses foot, ankle, and spinal alignment to reduce strain on the plantar fascia. A combined approach often provides the best results.
Yes, misalignment in the spine, hips, or feet can affect weight distribution and walking mechanics, increasing stress on the plantar fascia. If not corrected, this extra strain can lead to inflammation, stiffness, and chronic heel pain.
Long-term relief requires a combination of treatments, including chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, stretching, strengthening exercises, and proper footwear. Consistently addressing the root cause, maintaining good posture, and avoiding overuse can help prevent symptoms from returning.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by excess strain on the plantar fascia, often due to overuse, improper footwear, poor foot mechanics, or tight calf muscles. Factors like high-impact activities, prolonged standing, and weight distribution imbalances can also contribute to inflammation and pain.
Westport Chiropractic and Rehab
4169 Westport Rd #107
Louisville, KY 40207
Office Hours
Monday to Thursday:
8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday to Sunday:
Closed