Dr. D. Jean Gibson M.S., D.C.

The Gibson Center 93 West Colt Square, Suite 3 Fayetteville, AR 72703 479-587-0227 www.thegibsoncenter.com

Answer: I certainly can help! Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the long band of fibers (fascia) that run from your toes to your heels. It helps support the arch and absorbs shock. Plantar fasciitis is caused by repeated micro tears in the plantar fascia, causing inflammation and pain! Injuries, repetitive pounding from running or other weight bearing exercises and standing on hard surfaces for a long period can strain the fascia. Over pronation is a common cause of plantar fasciitis. That means the arches have dropped, sometimes leading to a flat foot, which not absorb shock that well. You can tell if you over pronate by looking at the heels of your shoes. Do the heels wear out unevenly? Is one of your legs shorter than the other? Do your feet “toe out” when you’re walking? The first thing I would do is a weight-bearing 3D digital scan of your feet to show us where the imbalances are. Feet are the foundation for your entire body. When your feet are not level, your spine can develop a curvature, causing degeneration in your discs and pain. Over pronating also causes the knee to internally rotate, which can cause arthritis in your knee. I use cold laser therapy to reduce the pain and promote healing. I can also fit you with custom orthotics to bring your feet back in to balance. They absorb over 80% of the shock that would otherwise be absorbed by the fascia. They are not a rigid orthotic, are very comfortable and my patients love them! Gina, of Farmington says: “I came to Dr. Gibson with debilitating pain in both feet. After 8 sessions of Cold Laser Therapy and new custom orthotics, my pain level has gone from a 10+ to barely existing!” Call 479-587-0227 or go to www.thegibsoncenter.com for an appointment and more information.

“I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis 3 months ago. My doctor gave me 2 steroid shots, gave me exercises and a boot. It’s not any better, can help me?”

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