Plantar Fascia and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

By Dr. Aimee Anagnostos, PT, DPT on 1/16/2023

How are the feet related to the pelvic floor?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia (a fibrous web-like connective tissue) due to overload and excessive stress in weight bearing positions (standing, walking, running, jumping). However, the stress is not just stemming from the foot itself, the stress from weight bearing travels up the chain through the knee, hip, and pelvis!

The image above depicts a connective tissue called the deep front myofascial line. One can appreciate the connection from the plantar fascia, on the bottom foot, and how energy can transfer all the way up to the hips and even the base of the skull!

Mechanically, plantar fasciitis is closely associated with collapsed foot arches. With this structural weakening of the foot, the lower limbs have to compensate. The changes and torsions of the lower limb then affect pelvic alignment as seen in the image below.

This image depicts how collapsed (pronated) arches can promote tibial torsion and then pelvic torsion.

Here at Pelvic Health Center, you can anticipate a holistic exam of the low back, pelvis, feet and standing posture to assess multiregional involvement! We offer a variety of treatments and recommendations to resolve this issue including:

• Deep tissue release work

• Footwear modification

• Gait retraining

• Postural taping

• Exercise rehab to improve pelvic stability and efficiency of gait

• Working alongside other relevant practitioners (podiatry, chiropractor, and acupuncture)

Works Cited:

Lee JH, Park JH, Jang WY. The effects of hip strengthening exercises in a patient with plantar fasciitis: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(26):e16258. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000016258

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