Plantar Fasciitis: Healing Your Heel Pain With Physical Therapy

What Are Possible Causes of Plantar Fasciitis?

• Altered foot mechanics secondary to stiffness and/or weakness of the lower extremity and hip
• Decreased ankle range of motion, particularly into dorsiflexion (flexing the foot upwards)
• Elevated BMI
• Prolonged standing and weight bearing activities throughout the day

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms:

• Point tenderness to the medial aspect of the heel
• Pain along the arch of the foot
• Pain in the morning with the first few steps
• Pain with activities such as running, walking, or prolonged standing
• Pain as your take your first few steps after after being stationary for a longer period of time

How Can Physical Therapy Help Plantar Fasciitis?

• Stretching the plantar fascia and calf complex several times a day
• Specific taping techniques to the foot and arch for short term relief
• Short term use of orthotics
• Manual physical therapy to mobilize stiffness in the ankle/foot complex and other tissues
• Strengthening for specific weakness of the ankle/foot complex as noted during examination
• Progressive return to activities with graded exposure
• Specific exercises to hips, core, and lower extremities as indicated based upon examination findings

Every individual and every episode of plantar heel pain is very unique. The treatment suggestions listed above include several options to try and see how they may improve your pain.

In addition, a thorough evaluation by a physical therapist can help identify specific features about your heel pain and how to best manage them. Your plan of care is going to be specific to where you are in the recovery process and the extent of the injury to the plantar fasciitis.

Progression of movements is quality based- as you demonstrate greater competency and capacity to do the movements they need to be progressively more challenging. Understanding as much as possible about your current condition is a very important aspect of the recovery process and will empower you to take the necessary steps to get back to your normal activities with as little discomfort as possible.