Doctor’s Secret to Instant Pain Relief, Now Say Goodbye to Aching Feet and Heels

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From the archives: This story was last updated in July 2019.

While back and shoulder pain reign supreme among people with office jobs these days, feet are not exempt. Anybody who’s ever experienced foot or heel pain will know that it can be excruciating, but the good news is that it’s treatable.

The chronic disorder is known as “plantar fasciitis.” We’ve done our research, and it’s not as terrifying as it sounds; we’re excited to share what we know. Or rather, what a New Jersey medical expert knows. So put your (aching) feet up, relax, and absorb quite possibly the most useful information you'll read today!

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Dr. Donald DeFabio, a board-certified chiropractic orthopedist from New Jersey, has shared his natural, non-surgical approach to treating the condition. The sighs of relief are palpable; Dr. DeFabio’s instructional video has been viewed on YouTube over 5.6 million times.

The good doctor talks us through both the diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis, and even tells us how we can prolong the healing at home. But first, what exactly is going on in those persistently painful tootsies of ours?

WebMD explains that the fascia, or tissue, that reaches from our toes to our heels supports the muscles and arches of the feet. “When they’re overly stretched,” the website advises, “tiny tears can occur in their surface. This can cause pain and inflammation.”

Athletes, women who wear high heels, older people, and people who are overweight are prime candidates for plantar fasciitis. Some patients experience a “stabbing pain,” and according to TipHero, the pain typically erupts first thing in the morning.

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Dr. DeFabio has been treating plantar fasciitis successfully for years, and his method is not as daunting as you may fear. So, what is this famous method, you may ask? What is this tried and tested technique that could reinvigorate your sorrowful feet?

“The first step is to make sure there’s no joint dysfunction,” Dr. DeFabio says in his instructional video. The doctor assesses the mechanics of the foot and checks whether the foot, ankle, knee, or hip is out of alignment.

Next on his checklist is to lengthen the muscles of the calves to relieve tension. “You can do that at home with an intracell stick,“ Dr. DeFabio continued. ”It works really well.”

In the office, the doctor explains, they use a procedure called Graston. Graston is a technique whereby the doctor uses a pen-shaped stainless-steel instrument to “break down scar tissue adhesions [and] lengthen the tissue.” The aim? To create elasticity and promote increased blood circulation in the legs and feet.

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“We need to work the calves,” Dr. DeFabio explained, “because when the calves are tight [...] it gets mad!” Well said, Dr. DeFabio; the pain is maddening indeed. “Our go-to, to help you get some really quick, adequate, and effective pain relief,” he added, “is a combination of Kinesio tape with sports-specific taping.”

And there’s the magic word: taping! The sports tape, wrapped around the back of the heel and onto the ball of the foot, provides the protection and support that the foot is craving. “By pulling the heel forward, it takes the pressure off the plantar fascia,” Dr. DeFabio explained.

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The tape can stay on for up to five days and can even withstand showering and bathing. The doctor’s integrative approach of chiropractic, soft-tissue work, exercises, and taping truly takes the mystery out of this troubling condition. His taping technique in particular is pure magic. Watch for yourself!

“I’m Dr. Donald DeFabio,” the white-coated expert signed off, “and now you know.”