What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It happens when the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) running along the bottom of your foot becomes irritated or inflamed. Think of it like a bowstring that supports your arch — when overstressed, it can create tiny tears that lead to stabbing heel pain, especially in the morning.
Common Causes
Plantar fasciitis doesn’t discriminate. We see it in:
- Runners and athletes who place repeated stress on the fascia
- People on their feet all day (nurses, teachers, warehouse workers)
- Weekend warriors who jump back into sports without proper warm-up
- Those with flat feet or very high arches
- Weight gain or poor footwear choices, which increase stress on the heel
Symptoms to Watch For
- Sharp heel pain with first steps in the morning
- Pain after sitting for long periods
- Worsening discomfort after activity
- Tenderness at the bottom of the heel
Ignoring these symptoms often leads to chronic pain that can limit daily activities and even change how you walk — creating new problems in your knees, hips, and back.
Evidence-Based Treatment Options
At Vector Spine and Sport, we believe in treating the root cause, not just masking symptoms. Here’s how we approach plantar fasciitis:
1. Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments can improve foot and ankle biomechanics, taking stress off the plantar fascia. By aligning the spine and lower extremities, we support better movement patterns and healing.
2. Shockwave Therapy (EPAT)
Shockwave therapy delivers sound waves into the injured fascia, stimulating the body’s natural healing response. Research shows it improves blood flow, breaks up scar tissue, and reduces inflammation for long-term pain relief (Yapici et al., 2023; Charles et al., 2023).
✅ Benefits of Shockwave Therapy:
- Non-invasive, no downtime
- FDA-cleared and clinically proven
- Often effective when other treatments fail
- Safe alternative to injections or surgery
3. Deep Tissue Laser Therapy
Laser therapy helps control inflammation and accelerate healing in the fascia, complementing shockwave therapy and chiropractic adjustments.
4. Lifestyle & Rehab Exercises
We provide specific stretches and strengthening routines patients can do at home to improve flexibility and resilience of the foot. Proper footwear advice is also key.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
When you come to Vector Spine and Sport for plantar fasciitis treatment, Dr. Jacob Reesor will:
- Perform a thorough consultation and exam
- Identify the root cause of your heel pain
- Create a personalized plan that may include chiropractic, shockwave, laser, and home exercises
- Explain your options clearly, without pressure or “cookie-cutter” care
Our goal is simple: get you moving again without surgery or unnecessary medication.
Heel pain doesn’t have to sideline your life. If you’re tired of waking up every morning with stabbing pain, it’s time to explore effective, evidence-based solutions.
📍 Visit us at Vector Spine and Sport in Murray, UT
📞 Call/Text: (801) 456-0352
💻 Schedule Online: vectorspineandsport.com