Do you experience pain on the bottom of your foot when you stand first thing in the morning? Do you have increased foot pain when standing or walking for long periods? These are common complaints among those who are experiencing plantar fasciitis. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 10 people will experience this condition. But what is it and what can be done to resolve it?
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the result of degenerative irritation of the soft tissue structures on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia attaches at the medial aspect of the calcaneus (heel bone) and spans forward to the metatarsal bones of the foot. The forces placed through the foot from standing, walking, or running put stress through these structures as the arch of the foot absorbs the load. Irritation of the plantar fascia can result in heel pain and pain along the bottom of the foot that is worse when standing first thing in the morning and when standing or walking for prolonged periods.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a multifactorial condition. Factors such as excess pronation or supination of the foot, limited ankle dorsiflexion, increased or decreased arch height, calf muscle tightness and high BMI can all contribute to the onset of this pain. Repetitive stress through the foot in combination with the factors listed above can cause microtears in the fascia which ultimately progresses to pain in the bottom of the foot.
How Can I Resolve This Issue?
Rest and modification of your usual activities can help to alleviate the symptoms caused by plantar fasciitis. In addition to that, improving ankle range of motion, performing stretches for the plantar fascia and calf musculature, and soft tissue mobilization of the plantar fascia can all help to improve symptoms and facilitate return to activity without pain. A physical therapist can analyze your foot and ankle strength, motion and flexibility to identify the specific impairments that contribute to your pain. They then can prescribe exercises and use manual therapy to address any present deficits which should ultimately result in decreased pain at rest and with activity.
If you experience symptoms similar to those listed above, physical therapy can help provide relief. Call Respire Physical Therapy at 703-671-1871 or click here to schedule an appointment with one of our Physical Therapists to get back to the activities you love!
Tags: painfreeliving, movementfreedom, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot Pain, choosept, arlingtonva, Physical Therapy, alexandriava, Respire Physical Therapy, fallschurchva, ptworks, physical therapist
