5 Reasons Why Physical Therapy Could Drastically Help Treat Plantar Fasciitis

When you have inflammation or a tear in the band of tissue that connects your heel to the ball of your foot, it’s known as plantar fasciitis. You may be familiar with its serious tightness and tenderness that passes on the underside of your heel, right along with your arch.

The pain of plantar fasciitis can be especially intense when you first step out of bed in the morning or get up after a long period or sitting. You may notice it’s acute after a run or while climbing stairs. It’s possible to develop a limp and compensatory pain due to your plantar fasciitis.

If you suspect you have plantar fasciitis, steroid injections, medication, and rest are often recommended. But a secret weapon in your healing lies in physical therapy. Physical therapists can help you recover faster and at a lower cost than if you don’t seek their treatment.

1. IDENTIFY A CAUSE

Physical therapists are trained to evaluate and help with movement dysfunction, including plantar fasciitis. They look at the cause of your plantar fasciitis, including issues such as flat foot or overuse to help devise a customized plan to heal your pain.

2. EXERCISE AND STRETCHING AS A LONG-TERM SOLUTION

The exercises provided by physical therapists are a long-term solution that helps you avoid surgery and reliance on medication to find relief. Treatments offered by physical therapists include stretching exercises to improve movement in your ankle and the plantar fascia. You may also get exercises to improve flexibility in your calf, which can contribute to inflammation of the heel.

3. OFFER IMMEDIATE RELIEF FOR PAIN

Heat and ice treatment helps relieve inflammation and subsequently pain. They may also deliver specific medications through the skin and taping with Kinesio tape to help ease your discomfort temporarily.

4. PROVIDE DAILY SUPPORT

A physical therapist can help make your heel feel more comfortable every day with specific devices, such as a night splint to keep your foot, ankle, and toes in proper position. They can guide you in the choice of optimal footwear, whether it’s for day-to-day wear or sports, so you have the right support and discourage aggravation of the plantar fascia.

Shoe inserts are another way to help your heel feel better. These usually discourage pronation, or over inward rotation, of the foot, which stresses the heel.

5. PREVENT RECURRENCE

Most patients successfully overcome plantar fascia with the conservative treatments offered by physical therapists. When you do overcome the annoying, painful condition, the therapists at Go Feet can also help you prevent its return. They’ll continue to guide you in shoe choice and remind you to replace your shoes regularly, so you don’t lose the important cushioning and support.You’ll also learn smart techniques for workouts, such as stretching your calves regularly and warming up gradually before you build intensity. This helps prevent overstrain on the plantar fascia and keeps your heel functioning at its best.

If you do have pain in your heel that suggests plantar fasciitis, don’t continue to fight through it. The expert team of doctors and physical therapists at Go Feet are here to help. Call the office, or book an appointment online.