Will physical therapy help plantar fasciitis?
Those who suffer from plantar fasciitis may wonder whether physical therapy can help. The answer depends on a number of factors. These include the type of injury, the amount of pain, and the severity of the symptoms. In this article, you’ll learn some of the most common causes of plantar fasciitis, the symptoms of the condition, and some common ways that physical therapy can help. Learn more about our team of board certified specialists.
Stretches for Plantar Fasciitis
Adding stretches into your physical therapy routine can help ease the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. A simple calf stretch can reduce tension and provide quick pain relief.
A toe extension exercise is a simple stretch that can be done two or three times a day. The most important part is holding the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds.
The plantar fascia is a complex ligament that connects the heel to the toes. The ligament is known for its strength, but if it is weak it can cause foot dysfunction. Stretching the ligament will improve its strength and flexibility.
Performing a plantar fascia stretching exercise is best done in a physical therapy setting. A therapist will evaluate the cause of your symptoms and provide you with a list of stretches.
Dry needling in our area
Using dry needling in physical therapy for plantar fasciitis can be a helpful option for patients. The procedure is safe and can help alleviate the pain associated with this condition.
The goal of dry needling is to stimulate the body’s natural healing process, which includes increased blood flow, decreased muscle tension, and the release of trigger points. The needles used in dry needling are thin and slender, allowing them to penetrate deep into the muscle. The needles are also minimally painful.
This type of treatment is commonly used to treat plantar fasciitis. Trigger points are located in the taut bow-string of the skeletal muscle known as the plantar fascia. These points cause pain and refer pain to other parts of the body.
Graston/ASTYM
Graston/ASTYM physical therapy for plantar fasciitis is a non-invasive treatment that increases blood flow to injured fascia and decreases inflammation. This is a proven method for treating a wide range of soft tissue injuries. The technique uses specially designed tools to improve blood flow and increase range of motion.
The Graston technique uses stainless steel instruments to break up scar tissue and encourage healing. These instruments have convex and concave curves that break up fascial restrictions. They are also used to detect soft tissue fibrosis.
Scar tissue is weaker than normal muscle fibers. It develops after an injury or repetitive stress. Scar tissue can bend to the fascia and cause pain. It is also prone to forming adhesions. These adhesions can inhibit the normal healing process and cause thickening of the plantar fascia.
Night splints
Using night splints as part of physical therapy for plantar fasciitis is a highly effective approach. Night splints help stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon during the night. They also help to keep the foot in a plantarflexed position during the day, thus preventing the tendon and fascia from shortening.
Night splints can also be part of a comprehensive plan of care. This may include icing, orthotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Night splints are designed to hold the ankle in a neutral position while the patient is sleeping. This prevents the fascia and Achilles tendon from shortening and causing pain in the morning.
Common causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Those who have plantar fasciitis often find that their condition can interfere with their daily activities. The symptoms often include a sharp pain in the heel and the bottom of the foot. It can be painful to walk, stand, or run, and it usually gets worse after exercise. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can develop into chronic heel pain.
There are many different causes of plantar fasciitis. Some of the most common include obesity, improper foot mechanics, and running.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the thick tissue that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes becomes inflamed. The symptoms of plantar fasciitis usually develop slowly, and the pain will be worse when you first get out of bed in the morning or after a vigorous activity.
Symptoms
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis are usually sharp pains that occur on the bottom of the foot. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you should rest your feet and take steps to alleviate the pain.
Stretching your calf can also help relieve the pain. During stretching, you should focus on stretching the Achilles tendon. This stretch should last for at least 30-60 seconds. It can also be helpful to have a physical therapist show you how to perform the stretch.
You may also want to talk with your healthcare provider about taking anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen. However, you should not take these medications for more than 10 days in a row.
Kick pain to the curb today in Our Area
Don’t let plantar fasciitis slow you down! Our area physical therapy practice will help you dictate your own mobility, comfort, and overall function, free from the limitations of pain.
Contact our clinic to schedule your appointment. We’ll help you get back on your feet in no time!