What is plantar fasciitis?

What is plantar fasciitis? 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. The plantar fascia acts as a shock absorber and supports the arch of the foot.

When the plantar fascia becomes strained or overloaded, it can develop small tears and become inflamed, leading to the development of plantar fasciitis. The site is very tender to touch. Pain occurs on initial weight bearing after periods of rest, then decreases, but returns as weight bearing activity increases. This condition is often caused by being overweight, wearing inappropriate footwear, having flat feet or excessively high arch feet which stress forces on the fascia. This condition can also be caused by repetitive stress on the feet, such as excessive running or walking.  

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Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis

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The common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

1. Morning pain: This is the most common symptom of plantar fasciitis.  Wherein a person experiences significant heel pain and stiffness in the morning when taking their first steps after waking up. This is known as post-static dyskinesia; it occurs after a long period of rest. The pain may be felt near the front of the heel or along the arch of the foot. 
2. Pain after activity: The pain often worsens after long periods of standing, walking, or engaging in activities that put stress on the feet. It can also be aggravated by running or jumping.
3. Tenderness: The affected area, particularly the bottom of the heel, may be tender to the touch. Pressing on the heel or applying pressure on the arch of the foot can elicit pain.
4. Swelling and inflammation: In some cases, the foot may exhibit mild swelling or redness due to inflammation of the plantar fascia.
5. Gradual onset: Plantar fasciitis usually develops gradually over time rather than appearing suddenly.

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How can physical therapy help? 

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Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the management and treatment of plantar fasciitis. A physical therapist can provide targeted interventions to help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, improve flexibility, and strengthen the foot and leg muscles. Here are some ways in which physical therapy can help with plantar fasciitis:

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1. Assessment and diagnosis: A physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation to assess the extent of your condition and confirm the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. These include pain assessment, to determine aggravating and alleviating factors. They will also perform a special test and examine your foot mechanics, range of motion, muscle strength, and identify any contributing factors.
2. Pain management: Physical therapists can employ various techniques to help manage pain, such as ice or heat therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or taping. These modalities can help reduce inflammation, alleviate discomfort, and promote healing.
3. Stretching exercises: Specific stretching exercises are prescribed to lengthen and stretch the tight calf muscles and the plantar fascia. These exercises can help relieve tension and improve range of motion of the foot and lower leg. The physical therapist will guide you on how to perform these exercises safely and effectively.
4. Strengthening exercises: With plantar fasciitis, the muscles of the foot need to be strengthened. These include exercises that require toe control, such as scrunching towels, picking up marbles and other small objects with the toes. Strengthening exercises may also involve the use of resistance bands to help improve strength endurance and overall performance of the foot, ankle and lower leg muscles. 
5. Manual therapy techniques: Physical therapists may use hands-on techniques such as, myofascial release, joint and soft tissue mobilization techniques to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and enhance tissue healing.
6. Foot posture, gait analysis and correction: Analyzing your foot posture, walking and running patterns can help identify any biomechanical issues that contribute to plantar fasciitis. Physical therapists can provide guidance on proper footwear, orthotic devices, or suggest modifications to your gait to reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
7. Education and self-management: Physical therapists educate and help the patients incorporate home exercises and self-management techniques into his or her daily routine. They also teach patients about proper foot care, footwear choices, activity modification, and strategies to prevent plantar fasciitis from recurring. 

There are several factors that may impact the time frame of healing from plantar fasciitis such as: age, physical fitness, severity of condition and comorbidities.

Remember, each individual's treatment plan may vary based on their specific needs and severity of plantar fasciitis. Working closely with a physical therapist can provide personalized care and help optimize recovery from plantar fasciitis.

Trust PeteHealth for plantar fasciitis treatment

Looking for a physical therapist to help you manage and treat plantar fasciitis? PeteHealth is the trusted physical therapy solution that you can access on your schedule, bringing you the care you need wherever you need it – including your home or office. Our licensed physical therapists are at the top of their profession, and we accept most insurance carriers.

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Finally – the all-in-one, professional, convenient approach to physical therapy that you deserve with PeteHealth.

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