When you have plantar fasciitis, you know something’s not right. The condition’s painful symptoms make mobility difficult, and even just standing. It’s no wonder that the estimated 2 million sufferers experience a lower quality of life.
Fortunately, our competent and caring team at Empire Physical Therapy and Athletic Rehabilitation in New York City has helped many of our patients with plantar fasciitis regain a pain-free life and normal mobility.
Our physical therapists, Billy Reilly, MS, PT, and Paul LaRosa, MS, PT, believe that knowledge is power, so at your first consultation, you discuss your history of foot pain, overall health, and other things with them. That way, they can create a treatment plan that’s designed specifically for you.
Plantar fasciitis develops when the thick band of tissue that runs the length of your foot — the plantar fascia — becomes inflamed. The plantar fascia serves two purposes. It acts like a shock absorber for your foot and offers support to your arch.
When the tissue band is stretched or torn, problems and symptoms begin. You can sustain tears and injury by playing sports or being involved in an accident, such as a fall.
If you experience the following symptoms, you likely have plantar fasciitis:
Typically, plantar fasciitis pain is at its worst upon waking, and it often strikes when you’ve been resting and off your feet for a time.
We employ diverse methods to ease your plantar fasciitis discomfort, including an important device — the shoes you wear every day.
We usually recommend a course of customized in-office physical therapy, stretches, and exercises you can do at home to start relieving your pain and restoring your mobility.
We also use heat therapy and electrophysiology approaches. Electrophysiology uses electricity to evaluate, treat, and even prevent physical functional problems.
Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:
People who participate in activities that stress the heel, such as ballet and running, are also more likely to suffer from plantar fasciitis.
If you stand or walk for long periods of time or your job requires these activities, you’re at higher risk of experiencing plantar fasciitis.
It may sound surprisingly simple, but in addition to all the treatments we’ve mentioned, just wearing the proper shoes can be a game changer when it comes to easing your plantar fasciitis symptoms.
We’ve seen time and time again that buying and wearing the correct shoes can ease plantar fasciitis symptoms. Footwear should offer maximum support and cushioning.
We can’t emphasize enough the importance of the right shoes. Firmness is key, so proper arch support and firm soles are essential to reduce pain.
If you suspect that you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, don’t hesitate to seek treatment. Our team at Empire Physical Therapy and Athletic Rehabilitation is ready and waiting to care for you and restore your comfort and mobility.
Call our office at 646-491-9141 to schedule an appointment, or book one online through our website. At our office in Manhattan’s Midtown East neighborhood, you build a relationship with your physical therapist by seeing the same person for each appointment and working together to meet your goals.
