Physical Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

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Physical Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

HOW CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the more common causes of foot pain and a condition that can be difficult to manage on your own. If you have tried taking time off from activities and implementing home remedies but are still having symptoms, you will be happy to learn that physical therapy can help successfully manage the condition. Through the expertise of your physical therapist you can experience a reduction in symptoms while learning how to manage and prevent recurrences in the future.

WHAT DOES PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS LOOK LIKE?

Physical therapy for plantar fasciitis is aimed at ameliorating symptoms of pain and discomfort in the foot and heel with standing and walking and even at rest. My team of therapists and I will start by getting to know your concerns and goals and performing a thorough physical exam to assess the area of discomfort and identify areas around the foot and ankle that may be contributing to your symptoms. During treatment your therapist may prescribe modalities to lessen inflammation, employ manual therapy interventions to target joint and tissue mobility while also prescribing movements and exercises for strength, motor control and mobility to be performed in the home and the clinic.

HOW LONG WILL I NEED PHYSICAL THERAPY?

The duration of your physical therapy plan of care will vary depending on the severity of symptoms and what types of underlying factors are being addressed in therapy. While full resolution of symptoms can take some time, you may begin to see some results right away. You should experience improvements in many symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and inflammation within a couple of weeks. Progression in strength, flexibility and overall mobility that allows you to stand, walk and run more comfortably, may take longer. Achieving long lasting results may take some time, but dedication to your program will not only help you achieve these results but will help to decrease the likelihood of symptoms recurring in the future.

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WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

The plantar fascia is a thick layer of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. It runs from the heel to the ball of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is considered a biomechanical overuse syndrome. A recent increase in activity or high levels of high impact activity cause degenerative changes at the attachment of the plantar fascia on the heel bone (calcaneus). The suffix itis indicates inflammation, however, plantar fasciitis is not actually considered an inflammatory condition but more so a condition of repeated microtrauma.

Additional risk factors for developing plantar fasciitis have also been identified. Some of these risk factors include having a BMI > 30, wearing high-heeled shoes, wearing shoes with poor arch support, having poor calf flexibility and having flat feet or a high arch. Additionally having a job, sport or hobby that requires prolonged time on feet can be a risk factor for developing plantar fasciitis.

WHAT DOES PLANTAR FASCIITIS FEEL LIKE?

While plantar fasciitis is not the only cause of foot and heel pain, sharp, sometimes stabbing pain beneath the heel and pain and tightness along the arch of the foot are classic symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Often the pain develops following a recent increase in activity. With plantar fasciitis, one may experience pain

That is worse in the morning or during the first steps after a prolonged rest. Initially the pain may improve as you warm up but overtime can persist throughout activities.
With prolonged standing.
During high impact activities like running, jumping or climbing stairs.
While walking barefoot or in shoes with poor support.

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**End Injury Progression**
Physical therapy for plantar fasciitis has proven to slow and even stop pain issues and injury progression in many cases.

**Relieve Pain**
The movements used in this technique can target your foot, ankle, and lower leg helping you to manage pain during the course of your physical therapy treatments.

**Improve Range of Motion**
Posture awareness is an important area to focus on due to the fact that certain positions or poorly fitting shoes may cause you further plantar fasciitis pain.

**Restore Mobility**
You can gain mobility and flexibility by taking part in the stretches and exercises as prescribed by your physical therapist.

How Long Will Plantar Fasciitis Physical Therapy Treatments Last?

If you decide to work with a physical therapist to help correct your plantar fasciitis, your entire treatment plan could consist of around 8-20+ different physical therapy sessions that will each last 60-90 minutes. Once you complete your customized plantar fasciitis physical therapy treatment plan, you will be able to continue to do the prescribed stretches and exercises utilized during your plantar fasciitis PT sessions yet in the comfort of your own home.

WHAT PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENTS ARE BEST FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

As is the case with physical therapy for any condition, the best physical therapy treatment for your plantar fasciitis is the one that is individualized to your needs and your body. This is why your therapist will take the time to thoroughly interview you and perform a physical examination during the first session. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.

Though your treatment will not be exactly the same as the treatment of another person with plantar fasciitis, below is a list of interventions and goals commonly used to address this condition:

Education: Your PT will spend time educating you on strategies you can implement to manage your symptoms at home. They will also discuss with you any modifiable versus non modifiable risk factor you have for plantar fasciitis and how this plays a role in long term management of the condition.

Address biomechanics: optimizing lower extremity biomechanics for running, jumping and even walking can help reduce the incidence of microtrauma associated with plantar fasciitis.

Stretching: stretching to improve both calf muscle flexibility as well as stretches specifically for the plantar fascia have been shown to improve symptoms

Dry Needling: dry needling is a technique that utilizes thin acupuncture needles inserted into specific trigger points to alter the sensory input and blood flow to the area

Night splints and orthotics: your PT may recommend the use of a night splint to provide low load prolonged stretching to affected tissues and orthotics to control the foot and ankle during standing, walking, running and jumping activities.

Strengthening:a protocol of high load strengthening to the achilles tendon and plantar fascia to better support the arch and foot during activity is also typically provided

If you have plantar fasciitis or believe you may, call us today to learn more about our services and schedule an evaluation- Call to Schedule a Consultation! 1-718-258-3300