Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Grand Rapids, MI

Are you struggling with plantar fasciitis in Grand Rapids, MI? This painful condition occurs when the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue connecting your heel bone (calcaneus) to your toes—becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis can cause sharp, stabbing heel pain, especially with the first steps of the day. At Knapp Family Chiropractic, we provide tailored solutions to help you find relief and prevent future discomfort.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is common in individuals with:

High-impact lifestyles: Runners or individuals with jobs requiring prolonged standing.
Improper footwear: Shoes lacking proper support can strain the plantar fascia.
Lifestyle factors: Obesity, pregnancy, or a sudden increase in physical activity.
Age-related risk: Most cases occur between ages 40–70.
Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of vitamin C may weaken tissue resilience.

The condition is often characterized by localized heel pain that improves with movement but can worsen with prolonged standing or activity. Without proper treatment, plantar fasciitis can lead to complications such as heel spurs

Diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis

At Knapp Family Chiropractic, a comprehensive exam is the first step in identifying plantar fasciitis. Our evaluation includes:

Functional assessments: Testing reflexes, muscle strength, tone, and balance.
Gait analysis: Identifying improper walking patterns or poor weight distribution.
Structural evaluation: Checking alignment of the knees, hips, and pelvis for contributing factors.
Imaging: X-rays may be used to rule out heel spurs, fractures, or subluxations.

Effective Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

Chiropractic care offers a drug-free, non-invasive solution to alleviate plantar fasciitis pain. Our treatment approach focuses on:

Soft tissue therapy: Restoring mobility in the foot and ankle joints to reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
Calf muscle care: Improving flexibility in the calf muscles to relieve tension.
Chiropractic adjustments: Addressing misalignments that may contribute to improper gait or weight distribution.

At-Home Care for Plantar Fasciitis

In addition to professional care, these at-home remedies can accelerate your recovery:

Stretching: Regularly stretch the plantar fascia and calf muscles to reduce tension and aid healing.
Ice massages: Apply ice to the affected area 3–4 times daily for 15–20 minutes to reduce inflammation. Be cautious to avoid frostbite—stop if it feels too cold.
Supportive footwear: Use orthotics or shoes with proper arch support to prevent further strain.
Maintain a healthy weight: Reducing excess weight can minimize stress on your feet.

Prevention Tips

Preventing plantar fasciitis involves proactive measures like:

Wearing supportive, well-fitted shoes.
Gradually increasing activity levels.
Incorporating foot and calf stretches into your routine.

Find Relief Today

If you’re experiencing heel pain or suspect you have plantar fasciitis, let Knapp Family Chiropractic help. Our holistic treatments aim to relieve your pain, improve mobility, and enhance your quality of life.

Call us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward pain-free living!