Traditional
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot that attaches the heal bone to the toes, and also connects to the Achilles tendon. It provides stability to the arches of the foot and is able to stretch to provide support and springiness while the foot is moving dynamically. When this tissue becomes inflamed, the condition is called plantar fasciitis. The most common symptom is heel pain; this pain can be dull or sharp and is from overstretching and, in some cases, tearing of the plantar fascia. Usually, pain is felt in the morning when getting out of bed. This pain happens because the foot has been in a neutral position during sleep to allow the fascia to start healing, but, with weight bearing and flexion, the PF tears again. Other symptoms used to diagnose PF can be an ache or burning sensation on the bottom of the foot, tenderness, inflammation, or stiffness on the bottom of the foot when standing after sitting or sleeping. Possible causes for development of symptoms can be the following: sudden increase in weight, too much activity, tight Achilles, shoes with poor arch support, going up and down stairs, high arches, flat feet, etc. Treatment is typically rest, ice, over-the counter-drugs, orthotics, stretching exercises, injections of anti-inflammatory medication, night splint, and, in extreme cases, surgery. Typically, people receiving this treatment can expect to recover in a few months, but it can take up to two years. The average recovery time is nine months.
Structural Dynamic Therapy
The twenty six bones in the foot are arranged in a dynamic system of levers—all bones working together harmoniously to share the weight of the body through the complete range of motion. The joints act as the fulcrum and direct the leverage. The muscles act as the engine and shock absorber, and the ligaments stabilize the structure. This dynamic structure allows us to walk, run, balance, jump, change direction and perform many other tasks. If this structure becomes misaligned, the whole system of leverage changes as well, becoming less efficient. Compensation can accommodate some of this change, but it can also bring about more change and restriction. In the case of plantar fasciitis, the change in structure causes the fulcrum points to move away from each other and lengthens the attachment points. This causes the fascia to overstretch so that it is not long enough to move comfortably when dynamic motion is attempted. The degree of misalignment will determine how strongly felt and location of the symptoms. With PF the pain is most often felt in the heel, but the metatarsal alignment must also be checked as the PF attaches to each metatarsal. A misalignment of one of the metatarsal joints can affect the transverse arch which will in turn affect the medial and lateral arches. This restriction of movement in one area will put more stress in a different direction on the plantar fasciitis causing the symptoms to appear. Using the clients own sensation and the unique techniques of Structural Dynamic Therapy the correct mechanical alignment can be restored so that all the leverage points contribute to efficient weight distribution and dynamic movement. The normal recovery time using this method is a month or less.