plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue at the bottom of the foot that connects the toes to the heel of the foot. Inflammation of this thick band is referred to as plantar fasciitis. 

The cause of plantar fasciitis may vary, but is more prevalent in runners, overweight individuals, and in those with improper footwear (lack of heel or arch support). Plantar fasciitis can result if tension causes small tears to occur in the fascia, which results in irritation and inflammation in the tissue. This condition often presents as a stabbing pain at the bottom of the foot that is most prominent in the morning and subsides slightly throughout the day. Symptoms may also be triggered by periods of long standing.

symptoms

  • Stabbing pain at the bottom of the foot
  • Pain after long periods of standing

causes

  • Improper footwear
    • Inadequate heel and/or arch support
  • Risk factors:
    • Age
    • Genetics
    • Activities that stress the heel 
    • Foot mechanics
    • Obesity
    • Active occupations

treatment

  • Rest
  • Ice therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Physiotherapy
    • Exercise prescription
    • Athletic taping
    • Shockwave therapy
  • Night splints
  • Orthotics to support the arch of the foot

HOW DOES PHYSIOTHERAPY HELP?

  • Adherence to a specialized exercise program can be particularly helpful in the recovering from Plantar Fasciitis and minimizing symptoms.
    • Beneficial in preventing muscle atrophy and loss of motion due to immobilization
    • Prevent injury by improving exercise form and posture
  • Ice therapy (10-15 minutes at a time, a few times a day) can help relieve swelling and pain

  • Athletic taping helps provide additional support to the plantar fascia and helps relieve some of the pressure on the arch of the foot.
    • Proper athletic taping has been shown to help provide pain relief for plantar fasciitis.
  • Shockwave therapy can also be beneficial for plantar fasciitis and has been shown to relieve pain  

  • Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) may help promote relaxation of the surrounding musculature, remove strain on the plantar fascia, and improve symptoms