Plantar Fasciitis

Editor: Dr. Amy Spencer, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC, CSCS, CKTP - A Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and Certified Manual Therapist. Owner and Physical Therapist, Specialized Physical Therapy in North Reading, MA.

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia which is a thick band of connective tissue (similar to ligaments and tendons) on the bottom of the foot. It connects the heel bone (calcaneus) to the metatarsal bones, which creates the arch of your foot. The plantar fascia is designed to absorb the high stresses and strains we place on our feet. Unfortunately, too much pressure will damage or tear the tissue.

Your body’s natural response to injury is inflammation, which results in heel pain and stiffness of the plantar fascia. Inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis occurs as a result of tissue damage, and it’s the body’s attempt to protect the area. Swelling and pain are often factors of this process. When a person walks, the plantar fascia ligament stretches as the foot strikes the ground. The fascia is designed to support a specific amount of weight or load. Damage to the fascia tissue is likely to occur when this structure is forced to stretch excessively or abnormally, particularly in a repetitive activity or if it is under excessive weight. Another structure that can influence plantar fasciitis is the Achilles tendon. This tendon connects the muscles in the calf to the heel bone and assists movement. Sometimes a tight Achilles tendon can lead to plantar fasciitis, by distributing additional tension on the fascia. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis:

In most cases, plantar fasciitis develops without a specific identifiable reason, but there are many factors that can make you more prone to the condition:

• Feet rolling inward too much when walking (excessive pronation)
• Having high arches or flat feet
• Prolonged walking, standing, or running, especially on hard surfaces
• Being overweight
• Wearing shoes that don’t fit well or are worn out
• Having a tight Achilles tendon or calf muscles
• Bring pregnant

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis:

Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing heel pain that normally occurs during your very first steps out of bed in the morning. Once your foot limbers up, the pain lessens, but can return after long periods of standing or after getting up from a seated position. Throughout the day the heel pain may be dull or sharp. The bottom of your foot may also ache or burn.

Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis:

Physical therapy treats plantar fasciitis by using a combination of modalities such as ultrasound, iontophoresis, and Kinesio tape. In addition, we’ll use manual therapy techniques to release tight muscles and fascia combined with specific stretching and strengthening exercises. Plantar fasciitis is a painful and sometimes debilitating condition, and it’s important to take steps immediately to address it before you experience a serious ligament rupture.

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Specialized Physical Therapy is conveniently located in North Reading, MA. We proudly serve residents in the neighboring communities including: Andover MA, Reading MA, North Andover MA, Wilmington MA, Boxford MA, Burlington MA, Woburn MA, Lynnfield MA, Melrose MA, Danvers MA, Middleton MA, Topsfield MA, Wakefield MA, and Methuen MA. We offer free and spacious parking located within a few steps away from our clinic’s door.

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