Physio for Plantar Fasciitis: Treatment & Exercises

No one chooses to walk on a bed of nails, but at times, those with plantar fasciitis can feel like they're doing just that. No one should have to put up with such pain -if you are dealing with plantar fasciitis, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Plantar fasciitis is one of those pesky conditions that can keep coming back when not properly managed - physio for plantar fasciitis is one of the best ways to help relieve that pain, provide long term treatment, and get you back on your feet.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that results from your plantar fascia becoming damaged. Your plantar fascia is a tough, wide piece of tissue found in your foot. It runs along the bottom of the foot connecting the toes to the heel bone, which creates the arch of the foot. Damaging the fascia can cause small tears in the tissue and create a painful walking experience.

Symptoms & causes of plantar fasciitis

 

How can you tell you need to see a physio for plantar fasciitis? It may be time to make the call if you are experiencing these symptoms.Heel pain: Heel pain is one of the tell-tale symptoms of plantar fasciitis. This pain can differ on a case-by-case basis and could either be a sudden sharp pain, or a dull throbbing one. Fasciitis pain in the heel is normally experienced in the morning with your first steps. Also, during the day when trying to walk after being off your feet for a while.  Prolonged physical activity can also stir up the ache, as well as new high-impact activities, such as sports, running and dancing.

Swelling: Plantar fasciitis can also be diagnosed when there is swelling of the heel and a throbbing, burning sensation in the sole of the foot.

Common causes of plantar fasciitis are linked to activity that puts stress on the heel bone. Those who do high-intensity activities, such as runners, are normally affected.

Other causes can include:

-    Pregnancy or being overweight, as the heel bone is bearing a heavier load than average.

-    Weak calf muscles, that cannot help the heel support the weight.

-    High arches.

-    Shoes that don’t fit or provide weak arch support.

-    Age - Middle age or older.

-    Having flat feet.

-    Standing for a long period at a time.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

 

The stage and level of pain with plantar fasciitis can determine how much attention needs to be directed into the treatment and healing process.

There are different methods to help treat the pain. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen can help block the pain receptors giving you a brief reprieve. Staying off your feet within reason and resting, not engaging in any high-impact activity also allows time for the tissue to heal.

Investing in the correct footwear is also a good way to help remedy the pain. Getting a good pair of shoes to cushion your heel and arch, helps soften the high-impact shock, and allows you to do activities that normally contribute to the pain.

Is physio good for plantar fasciitis? Yes, a physio can offer a clear diagnosis, and deliver effective treatment to help relieve your pain and prevent any ongoing damage to your fascia. Targeting the root of the problem by using physio exercises for plantar fasciitis, has a higher chance of keeping the pain at bay and stopping it from becoming a recurring problem.

Physio for plantar fasciitis: what’s involved

 

What can a physio do for plantar fasciitis, and what’s involved? First off, a trained physiotherapist is able to make a proper diagnosis on a patient’s symptoms; confirming that they have plantar fasciitis and not a different but similar aliment. The diagnosis comes from understanding how much pain the patient is in and the outcome of a physical examination.

A physio will work with you to determine the best course of treatment. Designing a program specifically for you, that should get you back to peak condition.

Physio is good for plantar fasciitis as it can offer relief with different physiotherapy methods. This includes a lot of stretching formations. Stretching the hamstring, calf, and Achilles tendon, strengthening the foot muscles and fascia tissue. Strengthening these muscles means that the foot is stronger and able to support more weight for longer periods, helping prevent plantar fasciitis pain again in the future.

Physio exercises for plantar fasciitis

All physios take different approaches depending on the needs of the client and the complaint presented. Physio exercises for plantar fasciitis, focus on improving strength and flexibility of your plantar fascia and the surrounding supporting muscles, so the ailment does not return.

Treatments will include stretching and different massage techniques. These massage techniques are part of soft tissue therapy, which helps ease swelling and pain. Different pressures are used at varying depths, which help relieve muscle tension and increase blood circulation. A combination of these techniques will prove to be the most effective at targeting pain and getting you back to your normal routine.

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, our team at Infinite Health can help. Book an appointment with us today and get back on your feet in no time - we have clinics across Sydney in the CBD, North Sydney, Chatswood, and Mosman.