How to Identify Plantar Fasciitis and the AMIT Solution

Plantar fasciitis is irritation of the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot that connects the heel to the front of the foot and supports the arch. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain; about 2 million patients are treated for it every year. The classic sign is pain on the bottom of the heel with the first steps out of bed in the morning, or after sitting for a long time, that eases after a few minutes of walking.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 90% of people with plantar fasciitis improve within 10 months of starting simple treatment. Ten months is a long time to limp, though, and when the muscles that hold up the arch are not working, the fascia keeps taking load it was not built to carry.

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes and supports the arch.

It is one of the most common causes of heel pain, especially in individuals who engage in activities that place excessive stress on the feet. This is one of the ankle & foot conditions AMIT addresses by restoring proper muscle activation instead of relying on surgery.

On This Page:

• Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

• Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

• Who Gets Plantar Fasciitis?

• Do Heel Spurs Cause Plantar Fasciitis?

• Plantar Fasciitis vs. Achilles Tendinitis

• AMIT Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis occurs when small tears form in the plantar fascia due to excessive tension or stress. Under normal conditions, the plantar fascia acts like a bowstring that supports the arch of the foot and absorbs shock. However, when this bowstring is overstretched or placed under too much tension, it begins to tear, leading to pain and inflammation. Common causes include:

• Overuse and Excessive Tension: Repetitive stress from activities like running, jumping, or prolonged standing.

• Inhibited Arch Support Muscles: These muscles become inhibited due to injury such as previous ankle sprains.

• Improper Foot Mechanics: Overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot) can contribute to plantar fascia strain.

• Inadequate Footwear: Wearing shoes with poor arch support or inadequate cushioning can increase the risk.

• Sudden Increase in Physical Activity: Rapid changes in physical activity without proper conditioning or warm-up.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis often presents with a variety of symptoms, including:

• Heel Pain: Sharp or aching pain in the heel of the foot, especially after periods of rest. Burning pain in the arch.

• Morning Pain: Pain triggered or worsened by the first few steps after waking up.

• Pain After Activity: Discomfort that occurs after long periods of standing, sitting, or physical activity.

• Gradual Onset: Foot pain that develops slowly throughout the day, particularly in the arch or heel area.

The pain is often greater after exercise or activity rather than during it, and long car rides or sitting at a desk can bring back the first-step pain when you stand up.

Who Gets Plantar Fasciitis?

In most cases plantar fasciitis develops without one clear reason, but these factors make it more likely:

• New or increased activity, and repetitive high-impact activity such as running, dancing, or sports

• Standing for long periods on hard surfaces, especially common among healthcare workers, factory workers, and teachers

• Foot shape, either flat feet or a high arch

• Tight calf muscles

• Excess body weight

• Age, since plantar fasciitis is most common between 40 and 60

Do Heel Spurs Cause Plantar Fasciitis?

Not usually. An X-ray may show a bone spur on the heel, but most people who have heel spurs do not have heel pain. X-rays are mainly used to rule out other causes of heel pain, such as a stress fracture of the heel bone, rather than to confirm plantar fasciitis.

Plantar Fasciitis vs. Achilles Tendinitis

Both cause heel pain that is worse in the morning, so they are easy to mix up. Plantar fasciitis hurts on the bottom of the heel, where the fascia attaches. Achilles tendinitis hurts at the back of the heel or along the tendon above it, often with stiffness along the tendon and severe pain the day after exercise. An old ankle sprain is a common starting point for both, since it can leave the arch support muscles inhibited, as the causes above describe.

AMIT Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

What Happens During Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the primary arch support muscles, such as the tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, and other muscles responsible for stabilizing the foot, become inhibited and fail to function correctly, putting stress on the small muscles of the arch. When these muscles can no longer provide proper support, the small flexor muscles of the toes and the plantar aponeurosis (a thick band of tissue supporting the arch) become overstretched. Over time, this leads to inflammation and breakdown of the plantar fascia, causing pain and discomfort creating a searing burning pain.

How Does AMIT Help?

The Advanced Muscle Integration Technique (AMIT) is designed to reactivate the inhibited arch support muscles, restoring proper neurological function and muscle balance in the foot. By reactivating the tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, and other key muscles, AMIT helps prevent overpronation, reduce stress on the plantar fascia, and support the arch, allowing for healing. This approach alleviates the functional cause of plantar fasciitis, promoting faster recovery and preventing recurrence.

On a first visit we test the tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, calf, and arch muscles one at a time, check ankle motion, and look at how your arch holds up when you stand and walk. Ankle motion matters because limited upward motion of the ankle is one of the findings doctors look for with plantar fasciitis. The visit takes about 40 minutes; what to expect explains how to prepare, and plantar fasciitis treatment that works explains our approach in more detail.

Steps to Take If You Have Plantar Fasciitis

1. Modify Activity: Avoid high-impact activities that place stress on the foot until the pain subsides.

2. Consult an AMIT Specialist: At Advanced Muscle Integration Technique, we offer specialized AMIT treatment for plantar fasciitis. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your recovery.

3. Rehabilitation: After AMIT treatment, our team will guide you through exercises to improve function in the foot and arch.

Why Choose AMIT for Plantar Fasciitis?

‍ Non-Invasive Treatment: AMIT offers a proven, natural, innovative non-surgical approach to treating plantar fasciitis.

• Faster Recovery: By addressing the root cause of muscle inhibition, AMIT promotes quicker healing and recovery.

• Prevents Recurrence: AMIT ensures that the muscles function properly, reducing the risk of future flare-ups of plantar fasciitis.

If you're experiencing pain from plantar fasciitis, contact Advanced Muscle Integration Clinic in Salt Lake City, UT for professional, effective treatment using Advanced Muscle Integration Technique. Our team of experts can help you recover and return to your daily activities without pain.

Call us today at 801.544.2355 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Draper and Kaysville

AMIT Clinics treats heel pain at both Utah locations: Draper, at 12371 S 900 E Unit 101, and Kaysville, at 447 North 300 West Ste 5. The Kaysville clinic is close to Layton and Farmington. We see runners, teachers, nurses, and others who stand all day, and people who have tried inserts and stretches without lasting relief. Shin pain from the same arch muscles is covered on our shin splints page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plantar Fasciitis

Call 801.544.2355 to be seen.