Here’s How to Say Goodbye to Troublesome Foot and Heel Pain

Heel pain can be truly excruciating, especially if you have a job that requires you to be on your feet all day! If you suffer from this chronic discomfort, then you may have what is called plantar fasciitis. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds, especially considering that it is treatable. So, put your feet up and relax while we tell you how to go about getting started on your road to recovery!

Today we will be sharing information courtesy of specialist Dr. DeFabio. He walks us through how he, as a professional, diagnoses plantar fasciitis, and how he goes about treating it in his patients. The chiropractic orthopedist even gives some valuable nuggets of advice on how to maintain healing at home.

Before we dive right in to Dr. DeFabio’s helpful tutorial, let’s first gain some clarity on the condition itself. According to the Mayo Clinic, plantar fasciitis most commonly appears in those who put a bit more stress on their feet than the average person. This group usually includes athletes, like runners, high-heel enthusiasts, and individuals who are overweight.

The pain associated with plantar fasciitis can, unfortunately, be severe. Some patients describe it as being a “stabbing pain” which usually starts up first thing in the morning. It occurs when the plantar fascia, the “thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toe” becomes inflamed.

So, if this description sounds similar to the pain that you may be experiencing, definitely seek medical attention. Again, this is a condition that doctors can most certainly treat!  Let’s see how Dr. DeFabio tackles this common type of malady.

The Doctor’s M.O. is to first successfully make a diagnosis. Next, he takes an “interdisciplinary approach” to getting the patient some relief. His overall aim is to decrease the inflammation caused by the plantar fasciitis in the foot first, then focus on promoting flexibility in the calf muscle.

Of course, a visit to a specialist wouldn’t be complete without being introduced to some cool medical instruments. Dr. DeFabio uses a device called the intracell stick, which is actually a tool that patients can safely use at home on themselves.

If your stubborn plantar fasciitis continues to act up, Dr. DeFabio recommends a procedure called Graston, a technique in which a specialist uses a stainless steel instrument to “break down scar tissue adhesions, to lengthen the tissue… to create elasticity, and to drive blood into the area.”

We just love this clip because it really takes the mystery out of this treatable condition. The good doctor wraps everything up by, well, wrapping everything up. You just have to see his taping technique—it’s obvious that her heel is now much better supported.

Watch Dr. DeFabio’s video below to learn this simple wrapping method for yourself!

What do you think of Dr. DeFabio’s informative lecture on plantar fasciitis? Are you a sufferer of this condition? If so, what helps alleviate your pain? Tell us all about your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!