Plantar fasciitis is an irritation of the plantar fascia of the foot. The plantar fascia is the thick band of connective tissue in the arch from the heel to the toes. Its job is to assist the muscles of the foot to support the arch. Pain frequently starts due to a change in activity level, increased standing, or a change in footwear predisposing people to increased pressure on the bottom of the foot or arch. Most people try to reduce it by calf stretches, sleeping with special socks to reduce the shortening of the soft tissue in the foot, or even having surgery. When this doesn’t work what should you do?

Physical therapy should be considered as an excellent, first treatment option for this pain! If you are not able to reduce the pain within a couple weeks what ends up happening is the development of micro tears in the fascia that can eventually lead to more problems. This begins to create restrictions in the tissue, pulling on the heel bone, or the calcaneus, and can also contort the bony arch of the midfoot. The calf begins to tighten if it’s not already tight begin with and people usually begin to change their walking pattern, possibly now causing low back or hip pain! According to “The Diagnosis and Treatment of Heel Pain: A clinical Practice Guideline – Revision 2010” in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, stretches, strapping with special tape and PT are the top level suggestions for patients with foot pain. They suggest at least 6 months of independent and PT assistance until surgery or more invasive treatment is considered.

Let us reduce your pain and return you to work and your recreational activities!! Call us for your initial evaluation to get started with treatment and enjoy life again!

 

*Kelly Ehlert, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT