Pediatric Plantar Fasciitis and Chiropractic care
In this blog post, we present a case study of a 10-year-old football player with bilateral plantar fasciitis who experienced significant improvement following a multimodal conservative approach involving chiropractic treatment. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition characterized by pain and inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It typically presents as heel pain, particularly with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. While plantar fasciitis can affect individuals of all ages and activity levels, it is particularly prevalent among athletes, including young athletes engaged in high-impact sports like football. The case highlights the potential benefits of chiropractic care in managing plantar fasciitis, particularly in young athletes, and underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to achieve optimal outcomes.
A 10-year-old football player presented with bilateral plantar fasciitis characterized by three weeks of heel pain. Over a six-week period spanning six visits, a multimodal conservative approach involving chiropractic care and home rehabilitation exercises was implemented. Specific attention was given to the origin of the plantar fascia and the triceps surae bilaterally, with high-velocity, low-amplitude extremity adjustments targeting the restricted ankle joint. Following the six sessions, the patient reported bilateral foot pain resolution and enhanced daily functioning. Subsequent follow-up three months later indicated sustained improvement and the absence of pain. This case underscores the efficacy of a comprehensive chiropractic intervention coupled with exercise may effectively manage bilateral plantar fasciitis in young athletes.
Dr. Rubin is a board-certified pediatric chiropractor as well as a certified sports chiropractor, so we see athletes of all ages. Success is seen across the board, ranging from pre-teens, teens involved in high level competitive sports (some of whom have gone on to play at the Division 1 college level), college students who play on Division level or are just playing intramural sports, and many adults who just want to improve their tennis and golf games or rank higher in their Cross-Fit gyms!
Reference: Daniels CJ, Morrell AP. Chiropractic management of pediatric plantar fasciitis: a case report. J Chiropr Med. 2012 Mar;11(1):58-63. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2011.06.009. PMID: 22942843; PMCID: PMC3315855.
