PLANTAR FASCIITIS

PHYSIOTHERAPY TO HELP PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Plantar Fasciitis is a particularly painful and debilitating condition and is commonly seen at Posturepro Physiotherapy Adelaide.

WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of foot and heel pain presenting to Posturepro’s physiotherapy practice.

The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that runs from your heel to your toes, helping to create the arch of your foot. The plantar fascia works as a very important shock absorber and, if overloaded, may develop micro tears in the tissue, resulting in inflammation and significant heel pain. The most effective way to resolve plantar fasciitis is by understanding the condition and addressing the underlying causes.

Part of what we do at Posturepro Physiotherapy Adelaide is get to know you and your symptoms so we can do a full assessment to advise the best treatment for you. This might include custom orthotic prescriptions or another treatment for Plantar Fasciitis.

CAUSES OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Plantar fasciitis is the result of excessive load placed on the ligament that helps create your arch, the plantar fascia. This load is typically due to repetitive activities that stress the tissue beyond its ability to accommodate the demands you are placing on it.

The most common causes of plantar fasciitis include:

  • Foot structure (both high arch and flat feet)
  • Poor foot posture (feet roll in when you walk)
  • Excessive weight or sudden weight gain
  • Poor footwear
  • Muscular imbalances

SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Plantar fasciitis is easy to diagnose. If you suffer from pain (sharp or dull) and stiffness in the heel of your foot it is likely you are suffering with plantar fasciitis.

The pain is usually worse at the following times:

  • In the morning when you take your first steps
  • After standing or sitting for a while
  • Climbing stairs
  • After intense activity

MANAGEMENT OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS

In order to successfully manage plantar fasciitis, it is important to address the cause of the problem, rather than simply managing the symptoms.  Employing the latest technology and biomechanical assessment techniques, the team at Posturepro Physiotherapy Adelaide are able to identify those tissues under excessive load, allowing us to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to address your specific needs. Your goal should be to allow the micro tears in your plantar fascia to heal by seeking out the correct combination of treatment options. Typically, your plan will involve biomechanical correction, self-management strategies, and modalities that address any structural imbalance.

Treatment options for plantar fasciitis include:

  • Soft tissue mobilisation
  • Stretching and strengthening
  • Weight loss
  • Motion control running shoes
  • Electrophysical agents (cold therapy or heat therapy)
  • Orthotics
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Injection of corticosteroids
  • Strapping

THE NEED FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS BY A TRAINED PHYSIOTHERAPIST:

Failing to correctly manage plantar fasciitis may result in chronic heel pain, the possible development of heel spurs, and altered lower limb biomechanics, which may lead to knee, hip or back pain.

If you suspect you may have Plantar Fasciitis, get in touch with Posturepro Physiotherapy Adelaide today to book an appointment for a full assessment and individualised treatment.