What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis refers to pain in the bottom of heel or the arch of the foot. The plantar fascia is a connective tissue band that originates from the bottom of the heel bone and continues to towards the toes. Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia becomes inflamed and may be torn at places resulting in heel & foot pain. Too much pressure or repetitive overstretching can cause tears in the Plantar Fasciia and cause pain. Our clients commonly ask below questions about Plantar Fasciitis:
How common is Plantar Fasciitis?
What are the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
What are the best exercises for Plantar Fasciitis?
Can a physiotherapist help with Plantar Fasciitis?
Can a chiropodist help with Plantar Fasciitis?
Should I get orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis?
Does Shock Wave Therapy work for Plantar Fasciitis?
What is the fastest way to cure Plantar Fasciitis?
How common is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common reasons for heel pain. The injury could happen due to improper foot and leg mechanics, overuse, poorly fitted shoes worn for long time and more. Typically Plantar fasciitis it is a result of either continues pressure or overstretched tissue injury.
Do I have Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is common among people who run and play impact sports such as basketball & runners who push off with their toes more than their heels. It is also found commonly among people who have poor foot biomechanics, limited ankle movement & weak foot and ankle muscles. People with flat feet also commonly develop plantar fasciitis. Athletes, teachers, waitresses and in general people who stand a lot or repeatedly walk on hard surface, may experience heel pain. Not every heel pain is Plantar Fasciitis;
If you fall into one of these categories, it would be a good idea to see a foot specialist (chiropodist) or a physiotherapist.
What are the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
- Dull or stabbing pain in the foot arch or the bottom of heel
- Pain worsens after resting or in the morning
- The pain is worse when you take the first few steps but betters as the motion continues
Physiotherapy plays a major role in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. The exercises recommended by a physiotherapist will improve the flexibility and strength of the connective tissue bands in the heels. In addition to this, massage and cold laser therapy can also help relieve the pain and restore the mobility of the affected tissues and muscles.
What are the best exercises for Plantar Fasciitis?
Exercises for Plantar Fasciia generally consist of strengthening foot muscles, improving ankle mobility, stretching the Calf muscles and Achilles tendon. In addition strengthening core and hip muscles helps to minimize impact on the foot with every step.
Click HERE for Top 3 exercises for Plantar Fasciitis
Can a physiotherapist help with Plantar Fasciitis?
A physiotherapist will be instrumental in treating pain related to Plantar Fasciia. A physiotherapist will use manual therapy, modalities and a range of mobility and strengthening exercises to help the patient.
Can a chiropodist help with Plantar Fasciitis?
A chiropodist or foot specialist helps patients with Plantar Fasciitis by specially with the cause of the problem is in foot biomechanics or flat feet. A footcare specialist also may use manual treatments or modalities such as ultrasound or Shock Wave Therapy to treat pain and inflammation. Chiropodists also prescribe and provide orthotics if it is needed.
Should I get orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis?
When the cause of Plantar Fasciitis is due to conditions such as flat feet or other biomechanical issues, an orthotics or insole may be added to the rest of treatments.
Does Shock Wave Therapy work for Plantar Fasciitis?
Shock Wave Therapy is a very effective treatment modality for treating Plantar Fasciitis and the inflammation in the adjacent structures such as Achilles tendon. A physiotherapist, a chiropodist or a chiropractor are medical care practitioners who typically use Shock Wave Therapy for treating Plantar Fasciitis.
What is the fastest way to cure Plantar Fasciitis?
A multi faceted approach is the best and fastest way to treat Plantar Fasciitis. If the inflammation is really acute, a period of rest followed by physiotherapy is very effective. The patient may benefit from custom made orthotics prescribed by a chiropodist to make return to activity safer and faster.
