Plantar Fasciitis
Ankle and Foot > Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a piece of thick connective tissue located along the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, causing pain along the bottom of the foot and heel.
Mechanism of Injury: Plantar fasciitis is caused by overuse, common in runners and walkers.
Contributing Factors: Overuse. Poor ankle mobility.High arches or flat feet. Poor footwear. Overweight. Hip weakness/stiffness. Inefficient gait pattern, esp. w/ runners.
Signs/Symptoms: Sharp pain at the bottom of the foot. Pain is worse in the morning and gets better as the day progresses. Pain with running/jumping.
At Home Tests: Self-palpation
At Home Treatment: Foam roll calves. Lacrosse ball foot. Calf stretch.
When to Seek Help: Contact your physical therapist if your symptoms prevent you from doing your normal activities or if they last more than 1 week.
Treatment at Inspired Athletx: In plantar fasciitis, the plantar fascia is typically the victim, and other issues are the culprit - including ankle/calf stiffness, poor running mechanics, abnormal foot structure (high arches, falt feet), hip weakness/stiffness, training errors, or a combination of these factors. The first step is to identify the causal factors through a thorough evaluation. Manual therapy, including dry needling, is very effective for improving calf/ankle and hip mobility, allowing for full range of motion and movement pattern training. Your physical therapist will also address your walking/running gait, training errors, and may recommend different footwear. Click here to schedule a physical therapy evaluation with us.
Disclaimer: The content contained in this section of the website is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to function as a substitute for a professional diagnosis or treatment from a licensed healthcare provider.
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