Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Moorhead, MN: Chiropractic Care for Heel Pain

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is pain under the heel or along the arch of the foot. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes and helps hold up your arch. When it carries more load than it can handle, it gets sore.

Most people notice it like this:

• Sharp pain under the heel on the first steps in the morning
• Pain when you stand up after sitting for a while
• Pain that eases as you move, then comes back after a long day on your feet

What causes plantar fasciitis?

It usually builds up over time. It is rarely one injury. Things that can add load to the heel include:

• Tight calves or a stiff ankle
• A flat arch, or a high, rigid arch
• Long hours standing or walking on hard floors
• A sudden jump in walking, running or sport
• Worn or unsupportive shoes
• Extra body weight

Often more than one of these is involved. That is why the exam looks above the foot too, at the ankle, knee and hip.

Is it plantar fasciitis or something else?

Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Pain at the back of the heel can come from the Achilles tendon. Burning, tingling or numbness can point to a nerve. See neuropathy treatment in Moorhead. A small crack in the heel bone or arthritis can also cause heel pain.

Dr. Bekkum's exam is meant to sort these out. If it points to something that needs medical care or imaging, he will tell you and refer you.

How do we care for plantar fasciitis?

Your plan depends on what the exam and scan show. It may include:

• Foot and ankle adjustments. Dr. Bekkum adjusts the small bones of the foot and ankle so your arch can absorb shock the way it should.
• Stretching and rehab exercises for the calf, the foot and the joints above it.
• Custom foot orthotics, only when your scan calls for them. See custom orthotics in Moorhead.
• Focused shockwave on the sore tissue, when it fits your exam. See shockwave therapy in Fargo-Moorhead.

Results vary from person to person, so we measure where you start and re-check as you go.

Do I need custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis?

Sometimes, not always. For plantar heel pain, research shows custom and store-bought inserts work about the same. If your foot scan shows a good store-bought insert is enough, we will tell you.

Is shockwave therapy used for plantar fasciitis?

It may be, when it fits your exam. At Integrix Health, focused shockwave is used alongside chiropractic adjustments and rehab, not on its own. A typical course is 3 to 6 sessions, 5 to 7 days apart, with your progress re-checked as you go.

Who is this care for?

It may be a fit if:

• You have heel or arch pain that keeps coming back
• Rest, stretching or new shoes have not been enough
• You want an exam that looks at why the heel is being overloaded

Get medical care first if:

• The pain started with a fall or injury, or you cannot put weight on the foot
• The foot is hot, red or swollen, or you have a fever
• You have diabetes and a sore or wound on the foot
• You have new numbness or weakness in the foot or leg

What happens at your first visit?

1. Exam. Dr. Bekkum asks how the pain started and what makes it better or worse. He examines the foot, the ankle and the joints above them, and screens for red flags.
2. Foot scan. A quick foot and walking scan shows how your feet carry your weight.
3. A plain answer. He tells you what he found, what he recommends, and what is and is not covered by your plan before you start.
4. Re-check. Your progress is measured as you go. If you are not changing, we rethink the plan instead of repeating it.

How long does plantar fasciitis take to get better?

It varies. Plantar heel pain often takes weeks to months to settle, and some cases take longer. No one can promise a timeline. What we can do is measure where you start, re-check as you go, and change the plan if you are not improving.

Who provides and bills this care?

• Who and where. In-person care by Dr. Paul M. Bekkum, DC, CCEP, at Downtown Health & Wellness, 22 6th St N, Moorhead, MN 56560, under his Minnesota chiropractic license.
• Billing and insurance. Downtown Health & Wellness bills your in-clinic visit fees, not Integrix Health. It bills your insurance for covered services, such as your exam, adjustments and rehab. Some services, including focused shockwave and custom orthotics, may not be covered by your plan. We tell you what is and is not covered before you start.
• Results. Results vary, and no outcome is guaranteed.

Heel pain care is part of Relief by Design and Rehabilitation by Design, our two in-clinic phases of care. See all in-clinic care in Moorhead.