What is plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a tendon that stretches the length of the bottom of your foot, forming the arch of your foot. Normally, this tendon helps to absorb shock when you walk, and allows a degree of flexibility to the muscles and ligaments of your foot.
When there is an abnormal amount of stress or stretch placed on this tendon, it can become irritated and inflamed. This inflammation and irritation is called plantar fasciitis, and causes heel and foot pain.
Some risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:
- Age
- Obesity
- Excessive standing or walking
- Diabetes
- Bad body mechanics with exercise
It’s important that you get your plantar fasciitis treated by the skilled physical therapists at Empire PT because an altered gait, which may result from heel or foot pain, can cause issues with your other foot, ankles, knees, back, and hips.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Often, symptoms of plantar fasciitis are more severe when first awakening in the morning, or after a prolonged period of being off your feet. Also, it’s usually worse after exercise.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis may include:
- Burning pain in arch of foot
- Shooting or stabbing pain in heel
- Bruising on heel or arch of foot
Usually, plantar fasciitis can be relieved with a specialized set of stretches and exercises to help decrease the inflammation and injury to the fascia.
How can physical therapy help with plantar fasciitis?
The goals of physical therapy as they relate to the treatment of plantar fasciitis are pain relief, restoration of mobility, and improvement of the overall health of your plantar fascia. After a thorough health history and exam, your physical therapist at Empire PT determines the best course of action for you.
Your treatment plan will likely include a combination of therapies, performed both in office and at home, including:
- Manual therapy
- Heat therapy
- Electrophysiology
- Stretch therapy
- At-home exercises
- Orthopedic support
- Education
Your physical therapist at Empire PT works closely with you to determine the best approach to meet your treatment goals, and get your relief as quickly as possible. Your PT team makes treatment of your plantar fasciitis a top priority.
To begin treatment of your plantar fasciitis and get relief from the heel pain it causes, call Empire Physical Therapy & Athletic Rehabilitation, PC in Manhattan or use online booking to schedule your consultation today.
