Plantar fasciitis/heel pain is the most common foot condition treated by healthcare providers. It has been estimated that plantar fasciitis occurs in approximately 2 million Americans each year and affects as much a 10% of the population over a lifetime.
Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed by your MD or Podiatrist. Risk factors in non-athletic populations include limited ankle motion and a high body mass index. Recent changes in activity level/training schedule or intensity can also cause plantar fasciitis.
Typically, patients with plantar fasciitis complain of pain in the heel during the first steps after waking or after a period of inactivity. The heel pain usually improves somewhat as they warm up, but may worsen toward the end of the day.
A physical therapist is an ideal choice to help treat plantar fasciitis. Your therapist will evaluate your foot structure/biomechanics, gait, flexibility, strength and balance. Training or activity schedules can be discussed in order to correct training errors. Your therapist will recommend specific stretches and strengthening exercise in order to improve strength and range of motion of the foot, ankle and hip. Anti-inflammatory modalities and taping may be used to provide pain relief and improve function. Joint mobilization and/or soft tissue mobilization can help improve motion in the lower extremity. Your therapist may recommend Orthotics, review footwear changes, and in chronic cases (> 6 months) recommend night splints.
Remember to ask your MD or Podiatrist whether physical therapy would help your condition. If so, ask your Doctor to provide a physical therapy prescription and call our office.
**Adopted from Journal of Orthopedic Sports Physical Therapy. 2008:38(4) Heel Pain Clinical Guidelines**
