What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the thick tissue running along the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the foot arch.

Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain which may be due to overstretching, overuse or a medical condition. The pain of plantar fasciitis is due to inflammation of the plantar fascia. When there is too much pressure or strain on the plantar fascia, this can cause swelling, tearing or bruising.

Plantar fasciitis often occurs from high impact activities, such as jumping or running, but it can also occur from overuse, such as standing for long periods of time. This condition is more common in those who are flat-footed, obese and also older people due to the plantar fascia losing elasticity with age.

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms & Diagnosis

The first signs of plantar fasciitis are usually pain under the heel or in the foot arch. Typically, it is worse on rising or after resting but improves with activity. Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed by a qualified physiotherapist using the patient’s symptoms, history and a thorough examination

Is Physiotherapy Good for Plantar Fasciitis?

Physiotherapists are highly skilled at treating plantar fasciitis. Depending on the diagnosis, physio for plantar fasciitis may include manual therapy techniques including stretches, muscle flexibility exercises, soft tissue massage and joint mobilisation. Specific exercises to strengthen the foot are also essential. The treatment for plantar fasciitis varies between patients, however, a qualified physiotherapist will prescribe the most effective treatment plan for the best results.

What Is the Fastest Way to Cure Plantar Fasciitis?

Physio for plantar fasciitis is a very effective treatment. Around 90% of patients with plantar fasciitis improve significantly within two months of treatment. It may be recommended to seek further advice or treatment from a podiatrist if there is a need for foot devices such as orthotics.

What will Physiotherapists do for Plantar Fasciitis?

Depending on each patient’s individual needs, foot stabilising exercises are an excellent solution for plantar fasciitis, as well as a good prevention measure. To successfully recover from plantar fasciitis, physiotherapists may cover 8 important stages:

1. Pain relief, injury protection and anti-inflammatory measures

2. Regaining range of motion

3. Restoring muscles control

4. Improving leg and calf muscle control

5. Restoring normal foot biomechanics

6. Improving movement quality, such as during sport

7. A return to work or sport plan

8. Reviewing footwear

What Exercises Help If You Have Plantar Fasciitis

There are some exercises that a physiotherapist may prescribe for treatment and prevention of plantar fasciitis. Some of these may include the following:

• Toe curls – Stand on a towel and grasp the towel by curling your toes, then release. Repeat this exercise for one to two minutes.

• Toe stretches – holding the toes back at 90 degrees (or as close as you can) for 30 seconds.

• Ankle curls – Sitting down with one leg extended, circle the foot at the ankle 10 times in one direction and then in the other direction.

How to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis

There are a number of things that can help to prevent plantar fasciitis. Because this condition is more common in those who are overweight or obese, losing weight can help. Also, it’s important to warm up properly before participating in sport and wear shoes with good arch support.

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition affecting the plantar fascia (the arch of the foot). Physio for plantar fasciitis is often very successful in treating this condition, with the majority of patients showing significant improvement within two months. Your South Perth physio can provide more information about the diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis as well as other foot-related pain.