Plantar Fasciitis

A common cause of heel pain

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Sport and Spine Rehab

Plantar Fasciitis

 

If you have pain in the heel of your foot with the first few steps out of bed in the morning, you may have plantar fasciitis.  This condition is an overuse injury affecting the sole (plantar) surface of the foot.  A diagnosis of plantar fasciitis means you have inflamed the tough, fibrous band of tissue (fascia) that connects your heel bone to the base of your toes. 

Common causes of plantar fasciitis include tight calf muscles, obesity, and walking/standing on hard surfaces.  People with flat feet or very high arches are also more prone to plantar fasciitis. 

The condition starts gradually with mild pain at the heel bone and feels somewhat like a bruise.  You’re more likely to feel it after (not during) exercise.  If not treated the condition can become chronic and eventually effect the way you walk, leading to knee, hip, and back problems.

  

How Is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?

How Can Physical Therapy Help My Plantar Factiitis?

On some occasions plantar fasciitis can be treated conservatively with rest and frequent application of ice to the heel.  It is also helpful to always wear shoes with a soft heel pad and never walk barefoot on hard surfaces.  If conservative approaches are not successful at eliminating the pain after 3-4 weeks then you should seek the advise of a physician for additional treatment options. 

Central Missouri Physical Therapy has developed a treatment protocol that is successful at treating most cases of plantar fasciitis.  Our therapists treat this condition by addressing the factors that contribute to the development and persistence of this condition. 

Modalities such as ultrasound will decrease the healing time by facilitating blood flow, collagen production, and tissue permeability. 

Various exercises are utilized to strengthen the foot musculature and decrease excessive force placed upon the plantar fascia.

[Plantar Taping 6]

Electrical stimulation can help control your pain and facilitate healing through multiple muscle contractions.

Our taping technique is very effective at controlling stresses placed upon the plantar fascia. 

How Can I Receive Physical Therapy For My Condition?

1. Attempt to conservatively treat your condition with ice, rest, and proper footwear. 

2. See your primary care physician or a podiatrist for diagnosis and/or additional treatment options.

3. Ask your physician if Physical Therapy is an appropriate option for your condition.  If so, either obtain a script for service or have them fax it to our clinic at 573-659-5516.
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