Plantar Fasciitis – Your Path to Recovery
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Have you ever stepped out of bed in the morning only to feel a stabbing pain in your heel with each step? That’s most likely plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band that runs under your foot- starting from the heel and ending at the toes. When the plantar fascia is overused, it becomes very sensitive at its attachment onto the heel bone, leading to pain in that area.
Plantar fasciitis is most commonly found in keen runners and hikers, people who walk a lot, but it can happen in people who spend long hours on their feet. People with poor foot biomechanics and those with flat feet or weak foot arch control muscles are more likely to suffer heel pain, making it incredibly difficult to walk or run without pain.
In this blog post, Erko Physio will be sharing some insight into plantar fasciitis and how you can overcome it with the help of our sports physiotherapists.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
If you are experiencing ongoing heel pain, there’s a strong chance it may be plantar fasciitis. Along the soles of your feet lies the plantar fascia, which plays a critical role in shock absorption and arch formation. The plantar fascia has a similar structure to that of a tendon, and it has a thick and fibrous composition which makes it susceptible to micro tearing during rigorous physical activity.
The Most Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is what makes walking and running so efficient, but if you overstress this area by placing excessive load on it, you may cause damage and experience ongoing heel pain. Without proper treatment, the plantar fascia will continue to become inflamed and sensitive.
Some of the most common causes of plantar fasciitis include:
- Overdoing your walking/running routine
- Wearing poorly fitted shoes
- Being overweight, which places heavy strain on your plantar fascia
- Having flat feet or a high arch
- Complications from diabetes
Diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis
Diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is straightforward. As soon as you notice heel or foot paint, schedule an appointment with Erko Physio. Aside from light walking, all weight bearing exercise should cease immediately to reduce the risk of further tearing.
Physio Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
Every condition is unique, and results will vary for each individual. One of the most important aspects of treating and preventing a recurrence of plantar fasciitis is assessing and correcting any issues in your foot and leg biomechanics, sporting technique and your shoes.
Here at Erko Physio, we custom design treatment plans for clients with plantar fasciitis. After an initial in depth physiological assessment, your physiotherapist will likely prescribe treatments such as:
- Foot taping
- joint mobilisations
- soft tissue massage or release
- Deep tissue massage
- Dry needling or acupuncture
- muscle stretches for flexibility
- Load management advice
- Foot strengthening exercises and stabilisation exercises
- Orthotics/new footwear recommendations
Following commencement of your treatment program, you should start to see measurable results within around 2-3 weeks. Your progress will be closely monitored by your physiotherapist, and he/she may recommend new exercises at various intervals throughout your treatment to support your arch, relieve pain and inflammation and get you back to normal in the shortest time possible.
Start Your Recovery Journey with Erko Physio – Call Today
Heel pain and plantar fasciitis is not pleasant. Get back to doing whatever it is you love sooner and put the pain and discomfort behind you. Erko Physio is your local physio in Alexandria, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Call Erko Physio now on 02 9557 9272 to schedule an appointment with our experienced sports physiotherapists, we’ll put you on the path to recovery.