Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis: Healing Your Heel Pain With Physical Therapy

It is estimated that roughly 10% of the population will suffer from heel pain at some point in their life. Plantar Fasciitis, also known as heel pain is the most common foot issue seen by clinicians. The heel pain comes from the plantar fascia- a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel bone, calcaneous, to the first bone of the toes, the proximal phalanx.

It has been discussed that the term fascia may be incorrect and the term aponeurosis best describes the structure. An aponeurosis is flat band of tissue that behaves more like a tendon. The plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot and consists of three bands of tissue: the lateral, medial, and central portion. The central band is what extends from the heel to the toes.

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What Are Possible Causes of Plantar Fasciitis?

Altered foot mechanics secondary to stiffness and/or weakness of the lower extremity and hip
Decreased ankle range of motion, particularly into dorsiflexion (flexing the foot upwards)
Elevated BMI
Prolonged standing and weight bearing activities throughout the day

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms:

Point tenderness to the medial aspect of the heel
Pain along the arch of the foot
Heel pain in the morning with the first few steps
Pain with activities such as running, walking, or prolonged standing
Pain as your take your first few steps after after being stationary for a longer period of time

How Can Physical Therapy Provide Plantar Fasciitis Relief?

Stretching the plantar fascia and calf complex several times a day
Specific taping techniques to the foot and arch for short term plantar fasciitis relief
Short term use of orthotics
Manual physical therapy to mobilize stiffness in the ankle/foot complex and other tissues
Strengthening for specific weakness of the ankle/foot complex as noted during examination
Progressive return to activities with graded exposure
Specific exercises to hips, core, and lower extremities as indicated based upon examination findings

Every individual and every episode of plantar heel pain is very unique and though there is no plantar fasciitis cure, physical therapy can help to reduce symptoms, pain and can help to prevent plantar fasciitis from returning in the future. The treatment suggestions listed above include several options to try and see how they may improve your pain.

In addition, a thorough evaluation by a physical therapist can help identify specific features about your heel pain and how to best manage them. Your plan of care is going to be specific to where you are in the recovery process and the extent of the injury to the plantar fasciitis.

Progression of movements is quality based- as you demonstrate greater competency and capacity to do the movements they need to be progressively more challenging. Understanding as much as possible about your current condition is a very important aspect of the recovery process and will empower you to take the necessary steps to get back to your normal activities with as little discomfort as possible.