Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of chronic heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that stretches from the heel bone to the base of the toes, becomes damaged, torn or inflamed due to stress. This causes pain in the heels and arches of the feet while walking. This pain often feels much worse when you step out of bed in the morning, and is often accompanied by swelling. There are a number of causes of plantar fasciitis, including:
- A sudden increase in exercise.
- Ill-fitting footwear.
- High body weight.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- High arches or flat feet.
- Standing for prolonged periods.
When you visit your podiatrist, they will inspect your foot and your pain triggers to determine whether you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. Thankfully, plantar fasciitis is a condition that can be treated without the need for foot surgery. Your podiatrist will likely refer you to an expert in physical therapy for further treatment.
How can physical therapy treat plantar fasciitis?
There are a number of ways that a physical therapist can help treat plantar fasciitis. Your physical therapist will work with you to decrease your symptoms using proven physical therapy methods. Your treatment may include:
- Gait assessment ” The way you walk may be contributing to your plantar fasciitis. A physical therapist can monitor your gait and help you to correct any imbalances that may be contributing to your symptoms.
- Therapeutic exercises ” Your treatment may include exercises designed to improve the flexibility of your ankle and the plantar fascia, as well as the strength of your supporting muscles.
- Manual therapy ” Your therapist may use manual therapy techniques to relieve the pain in your foot as well as loosen and relax soft tissue in your foot that may be tense.
Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT for treating plantar fasciitis
At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we're proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that's close to you and who can help you address your painful plantar fasciitis symptoms.
Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform.
Contact our team today so we can help you find the most effective physical therapy services for your injury or condition.