Heel and foot pain are common symptoms that affect people of all ages. They can result from various factors, including overuse, injury, poor footwear, or underlying medical conditions such as plantar fasciitis. Symptoms often include aching, sharp pain, or tenderness, especially when standing or walking. The pain may be worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest, and it can sometimes be accompanied by swelling or stiffness. Thankfully, physical therapy can help to alleviate these symptoms by administrating the following evidenced based treatment methods.
- Strengthening
- Through exercise, we are able to strengthen the muscles of the foot and ankle to provide better support for the joints and reduce stress through the foot that can lead to increase in foot and heel pain.
- Stretching
- These symptoms are often worsened by tightness that has developed in the lower leg and foot that create a lot of tension and irritation along the bottom of the foot and/or heel. Identifying these structures and performing tailored stretching techniques can reduce pain in both the short and long term.
- Manual Therapy
- A physical therapist can apply manual therapy techniques to improve the mobility of the foot and ankle joints in addition to soft tissue mobilization strategies that can help to further reduce tension through areas of tightness in the lower leg and foot.
- Taping
- Foot and heel pain is frequently due to a lack of support provided by the foot and ankle musculature. Taping methods can be performed by a physical therapist to further support the arch of the foot and reduce stress through the foot and ankle.
- Splints
- A night splint that aims to stretch the calf muscles for long durations of time has been a commonly recommended intervention that has been shown to be effective in reducing pain. A physical therapist can provide guidance on how to utilize a night splint and recommend other pain management techniques to allow you to perform activities of daily living with less pain.
If you suffer from foot or heel pain, physical therapy can guide you through the recovery process to achieve long-term resolution of your symptoms by applying evidence-based treatment strategies. Call Respire Physical Therapy’s Falls Church Location (703-671-1871) or Annandale Location (571-369-6729) or to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled Physical Therapists to get back on your feet again! If you would like to request an appointment online, please click here.
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