The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the base of the toes and helps support the foot arch. Plantar fasciitis doesn’t have any direct causes but overloading of the foot, rapid increase of activity or a change in shoe support can lead to it developing. This can make things like walking, standing or playing sport painful. However, there is good news! Physiotherapy is a highly effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, so if you are in Kilsyth, Croydon, Bayswater, Mooroolbark or surrounding areas then give us a call at Physio Elements on 03 9729 7777 to book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists.
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Relevant Anatomy:
The plantar fascia is the thick connective tissue which supports the arch on the bottom of the foot. It runs from the heel bone under the foot to the toes. The plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot, where it takes load when the foot bears weight. The plantar fascia can become inflamed due to overload or strain from activity, rapid increase in activity or change in shoe support, this is referred to as plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms:
Pain in plantar fasciitis is usually restricted to the inside of the heel. Plantar fasciitis symptoms include pain that us usually worse in the morning, with the first few steps especially. Activities such as running or jumping aggravate this pain and typically the inflammation can get worse over time and so does the intensity of the pain if left untreated.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
There is good news! Physiotherapy can treat plantar fasciitis. Physiotherapy will aim to decrease your pain,
improve your foots mobility and strengthen the area. Physiotherapy utilise techniques such as soft tissue massage, dry needling, mobilisations to the foot or ankle, supportive taping to the foot arch and strengthening exercises for the foot.
Assessment:
A comprehensive assessment of the foot will occur to assess your biomechanics, identify imbalances in strength or mobility in the foot and ankle and regions of pain. This will also include analysing your walking and foot posture.
Treatment:
Exercises can be given for the foot to strengthen identified imbalances in the assessment in the sole of the foot, calf and more! Manual Therapy can be utilised to provide mobilisations to the foot and ankle. Soft tissue massage and dry needling can also be used as techniques to reduce muscle tension and improve mobility for the muscles and structures in the foot and ankle.
Other strategies such as arch support with taping can be used to provide relief for plantar fasciitis by support the arch of the foot for activity. Electrotherapy is another therapy that can also be provided for this condition.
Conclusion:
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that can be painful and debilitating, but it can be effectively treated through personalised physiotherapy treatment. If you are experiencing pain in the sole or heel of your foot and are concerned, don’t hesitate to call us on 03 9729 7777 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced physiotherapists at Physio Elements.
References:
https://australiansportsphysio.com/physio-plantar-fasciitis/
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Plantar_Fasciitis