Skip to main content

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis: Healing Your Heel Pain With Physical Therapy

It is estimated that roughly 10% of the population will suffer from heel pain at some point in their life. Plantar Fasciitis, also known as heel pain is the most common foot issue seen by clinicians. The heel pain comes from the plantar fascia- a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel bone, calcaneous, to the first bone of the toes, the proximal phalanx.

It has been discussed that the term fascia may be incorrect and the term aponeurosis best describes the structure. An aponeurosis is flat band of tissue that behaves more like a tendon. The plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot and consists of three bands of tissue: the lateral, medial, and central portion. The central band is what extends from the heel to the toes.

Learn more:

• Topics

• Your First Visit

• FAQ

 

 

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
  • Heel 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 Provide Plantar Fasciitis Relief?

  • Stretching the plantar fascia and calf complex several times a day
  • Specific taping techniques to the foot and arch for short term plantar fasciitis 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 and though there is no plantar fasciitis cure, physical therapy can help to reduce symptoms, pain and can help to prevent plantar fasciitis from returning in the future. 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.

 

Move Better with Physical Therapy

Same-day or next-day appointments are available for new patients.

"*" indicates required fields

Are you an existing patient or new patient?*

Appointment Preferences

Day of the week
What days are you free to come in?
Time of Day
What times work best for you?
Coverage
Select which option applies
Sign Up For SMS Alerts

Jessica Jones

Physical Therapist

Jessica recently moved to Seattle from Boston, MA and is excited to join the Therapydia team. Her treatment experience includes orthopedics, sports medicine, pediatrics, and vestibular therapy. Jessica received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in Boston, MA in 2016. She has completed the Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency at Boston Children’s Hospital and is in the process of completing a Comprehensive Vestibular Rehabilitation certification. Jessica believes in empowering and inspiring patients to take control of their health through education, movement, and exercise. She enjoys treating patients of all ages and levels while utilizing soft tissue techniques, neuromuscular re-education, balance training as well as therapeutic exercise. In her free time, Jessica enjoys yoga, dancing, kayaking, and hiking with her dog!