What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Pronounced (plan-ter-fash-ee-eye-tus), plantar fasciitis is a common cause of pain on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is connective tissue on the bottom (or plantar surface) of the foot. When this connective tissue is strained or irritated you will experience pain on the bottom of your foot when you stand or walk.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is damaged or injured by repetitive strain or insult to the ligaments or connective tissue of the bottom of the foot. Injury to the ligaments is more likely to occur when:
- Your footwear doesn’t provide adequate support
- You have high arches (pes cavus) or flat feet (pes planus)
- You are overweight
- Your feet roll inward more than usual (pronation) when you walk
- Standing, walking, running for extended periods of time
- Other tight musculature of the lower extremity contributes
How does Physiotherapy help Plantar Fasciitis?
Your Physio In Motion physiotherapist will talk to you about your work and leisure activities as well as the pain your are experiencing. Your physiotherapist will talk to you about the importance of giving your feet an opportunity to recover by cutting back on aggravating activities. They will show you a number of stretches and exercises to perform several times a day. Finally they will talk to you about shoe choice and incorporating custom made foot beds or orthotics into your current footwear. With this conservative approach most of our clients report a significant improvement in pain in a short period of time. If pain does not resolve your physiotherapist will talk to you about additional treatment options such as icing, ultrasound, taping or compression sleeves that support the plantar fascia.