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Plantar Fasciitis: Physical Therapy relieves pain and improves function
By Dr. John R. Mishock, PT, DPT,DC
Approximately 10-15% of the US population lives with foot pain. Eight percent of all runners will develop plantar fasciitis, which, without treatment, can last for more than six months (Morrissey et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine 2021). Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of foot and heel pain.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a flat band of tissue (ligament) that connects the heel bone to the toes, supporting the foot’s arch. It is a biomechanical marvel critical for push-off during walking and running. It absorbs 110% of body weight during walking and up to 250% during running.
Plantar fasciitis presents with a deep ache and/or sharp pain in the bottom of the heel or foot. The pain is commonly felt in the morning or following prolonged sitting or weight-bearing activity (walking or running). (Cheung et al. Foot & Ankle International. 2006)
What Is the Cause of Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis develops due to excessive traction forces applied to the plantar fascia at the heel (calcaneus). The excessive traction force is due to overuse (too much running or walking), flat feet, obesity, improper footwear (sandals, bear foot walking), or leg length discrepancy.
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Studies have shown that physical therapy can significantly reduce pain and improve function in patients with foot pain. Despite the mounting evidence of positive treatment outcomes, physical therapy is currently being underutilized by those suffering from foot pain. Only 7 % of patients seek care from a physical therapist when dealing with plantar fasciitis and other foot pain-related disorders. (JOSPT, Feb 2017). Evidence suggests that physical therapy will help patients recover faster and at a lower cost, saving up to $340 per episode of plantar fasciitis.
In treating foot pain, physical therapists use a wide variety of techniques to decrease pain and improve function, such as modalities (the use of cold, heat, electricity, and ultrasound), hands-on manual therapy techniques (techniques done by physical therapists using their hands in exact ways to relax muscles in spasm, lengthen tight muscles, improve circulation, and optimize scar tissue development), Graston technique/IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to increase circulation, optimize scar tissue and facilitate healing), exercises (to improve strength and enhance optimal tissue healing), body mechanics and posture education (to help in understanding why the problem occurred and ways to prevent further injury), kinesio taping and strapping techniques and orthotics.
Beyond foot pain, poor foot mechanics can often be the underlying cause of many painful conditions that lead to altered function and poor quality of life. Conditions commonly associated with poor foot mechanics include Achilles tendinitis, shin splints, runner’s knee, piriformis syndrome, IT (Iliotibial) band syndrome, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and low back pain.
We can help!
If pain or limited function limits you from doing the activities you enjoy, call Mishock Physical Therapy for a Free Phone Consultation (610)327-2600. Email your questions to mishockpt@comcast.net. Visit our website to learn more about our treatment philosophy, our physical therapy staff, and our 5 convenient locations in Gilbertsville, Skippack, Phoenixville, Boyertown, Limerick at www.mishockpt.com.
Schedule your visit by calling 610-327-2600 or visiting this link: https://mishockpt.com/request-appointment/
Gilbertsville – Skippack – Phoenixville – Boyertown – Limerick
Visit our website to read informative articles, meet our physical therapy staff, and learn about our treatment philosophy. Email your questions to mishockpt@comcast.net
Dr. Mishock is one of only a few clinicians with doctorate-level degrees in both physical therapy and chiropractic in the state of Pennsylvania. He has authored two books; “Fundamental Training Principles: Essential Knowledge for Building the Elite Athlete”, and “The Rubber Arm; Using Science to Increase Pitch Control, Improve Velocity, and Prevent Elbow and Shoulder Injury” both can be bought on Amazon and train2playsports.com.
