Plantar Fasciitis

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Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue on the underside of the foot, connecting from the heel to the ball of the foot. Plantar fasciitis typically occurs from poor flexibility of the calf muscles, no arch support, a sudden increase in one's level of activity, poor footwear, being overweight, excessive pronation, or repetitive stress conditions (long distance running).  Furthermore, with changes in walking posture for a variety of reasons, the strain on the plantar fascia can increase significantly.

 

Plantar fasciitis is commonly felt as burning or sharp pain in the heel when standing on the affected leg. It is often worst in the morning when one takes his /her first steps out of bed. Inflammation builds up during the day in the fascia, and may begin to hurt after prolonged walking. Theories propose that when we are sleeping, the inflamed fascia is shortening and perhaps attempting to heal. As you sit or sleep the inflammation thickens and the plantar fascia stiffens. When you go to step on the foot, the inflamed and stiff tissue stretches causing pain. Pain may be felt mostly in the heel, but can extend along the bottom of the foot.

 

If the problem is chronic, a bone spur may be seen on x-ray. Currently, we believe that a bone spur is not the cause of the pain but the result of the body's attempt to heal the damaged plantar fascia.

 

 

 

How physical therapy helps

Physical therapy is very beneficial in treating plantar fasciitis. At first, we evaluate your movement, posture, walking pattern, ankle and foot mobility. Our gentle hands-on therapy is great for soothing the irritated tissue in the foot and also improving range of motion in the foot and ankle joints.

 

Modalities, such as ultrasound and ice may be used to reduce swelling and pain quickly. Our goal is to reduce your pain quickly and strengthen your feet for long-term results.