Plantar Fasciitis - Energetic Qi Flow Blockage at the Pelvis

 

Plantar Fasciitis is a thickening and tightening of the connective tissue in the bottom of the foot causing pain about the Calcaneus at the heel. It is not always a debilitating condition, and may waft and wain as the individual's activity levels vary. Acute stage Plantar Fasciitis is excruciatingly painful preventing normal activity and walking. While there may be other contributory factors, every case of Plantar Fasciitis I have sighted is accompanied by minor structural leg length issues, generating strain and distortion at the pelvis. I describe these in the material on Short Right Leg Syndrome as prominent Left or Right Lower Limb Mechanisms. 

 

The principle underlying effect is a proximal energetic Qi flow block at the hip having a distal effect in the limb. Left sided cases are typically due to anterior rotation of the left hip about the SIJ in the Sagittal plane. Binding the SIJ sufficiently through the heavy ligamental structure to create a blocking effect down the backline of the lower limb. Right sided cases are more complex being a combination of gait issues from the short right causing rigidity through the right hip and SIJ; and, pelvic tilt straining the right lumbar region blocking circulation of energetic Qi flow to the back line of the right lower limb. 

 

Where energetic Qi flow is blocked, a subtle thickening and tightening occurs through the connective tissue. Under loading and other influencing factors it can escalate to an acute condition at any point along the back line of the lower limb. Massage, mobilising, stretching, dry needling, and other direct treatment to the foot or leg may provide limited, temporary relief but does not resolve the condition until hip posture is corrected. 

 

Flexibility at the pelvis is preventative. Remedial Therapy to release tightness in lower back and hip flexors, targeted exercise to activate musculature and strengthen weakness in the glutes and abdominals, and use of a small adjusting heel lift under the short leg, permanently relieves the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis quickly...generally within days. Left sided cases being quicker and easier to treat than right sided cases where the lumbar spine’s integrity may be compromised by the Right Lower Limb Mechanism. The presence of pelvic and lumbro-sacral injury can prove problematic and thwart treatment attempts.