WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS AND WHAT CAUSES IT?
Plantar Fasciitis, also known as inferior heel pain, results in trauma or excessive abnormal loading to the fascia in the arch of your foot/feet. Several causes include abnormal foot alignment, having an abnormal arch, tight gastrocnemius/soleus musculature (calf muscle), leg length discrepancy and so on (577). Most commonly pain is reported to be directly on the heel or in the arch of the foot and is at its worst upon first waking up in the morning. Most patients will report that they have trouble even putting their feet on the floor after first waking. The pain and stiffness tend to ease up with walking. The cause of this morning pain is due to a night of inactivity which normally positions the surrounding muscles to become tighter thus causing more of a problem. Plantar Fasciitis is common in runners, people standing and walking on concrete floors for long period of time, as well as after an injury which required booting/casting of affected foot.
WHEN SHOULD I SEE A NORTHERN MISSISSIPPI PHYSICAL THERAPIST?
Physical therapy (PT) treatment is very helpful with resolving this issue as well as preventing return of this nagging problem. It is vital to address this problem as soon as possible using physical therapy treatment to start a supervised stretching program for the gastroc/soleus and fascia in the bottom of the foot. Along with an aggressive stretching program, PT focuses on strengthening weak musculature in the arch and on the front of the leg, pain management, gait analysis, instruction on proper footwear, and assessment of any other malalignments of the body. Even though initial symptoms can be severe, conservative PT with patient education is vital to a speedy recovery, 95% of patients with plantar fasciitis have a resolution of symptoms in 6-12 months.
HOW WILL PRO THERAPY TREAT MY PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
Our Northern Mississippi therapists at Pro Therapy will start by searching for the root of the problem. Not only will we perform a full physical therapy evaluation and any needed diagnostic test, but we’ll also consult with your medical doctor to find the right plantar fasciitis treatment plan in Northern Mississippi that will suit you and your condition. Don’t let plantar fasciitis run your life. Start the treatment process for plantar fasciitis physical therapy by scheduling an appointment or giving us a call.