Plantar Fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis?

When the band of tissues nearest your heel bone become inflamed, those first steps in the morning can produce the telltale “stabbing” pain of plantar fasciitis. If the pain decreases as you continue walking, that is a likely symptom of plantar fasciitis.

Too much physical stress can overcome this tissue band’s ability to act as shock absorbers, and small tears appear, leading to inflammation and pain. Athletes are most likely to inflict this extra stress on their plantar fascia, but extra weight, long hours on your feet and even aging can also lead to plantar fasciitis.

How can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical therapy for foot and ankle pain is very effective for relieving pain from plantar fasciitis, without the need for medication. Our expert physical therapists specialize in several modalities that can reduce inflammation and relieve pain including, electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapy. There are a series of stretches that may be done at home to relieve pain. If inflammation has become intense, it may be best to keep weight off the affected area for a day or two to let things settle down. Separately, if you are overweight, a natural way to help reduce your pain would be a healthy diet and exercise to reduce the extra stress on your heel.

Your physical therapist will show you how to flex and stretch the bottoms of your feet, developing the mobility that prevents inflammation in that crucial band of tissues. At home, these stretches are best done before you get out of bed in the morning, or at least when you’re off your feet.

Depending on your level of inflammation, we may also work your lower leg muscles for increased ankle and foot stability. Demonstrating the best way to tape your feet while you’re healing, and the best way to apply ice to the area, are other key ways our team helps you address your plantar fasciitis.