Can Physiotherapy Help Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common injury involving pain in the heel and sole of the foot. The plantar fascia is a tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot that is connected to other muscles and ligaments in the foot and lower leg. This tissue can become inflamed or irritated by overuse, a sudden increase in activity, a change in footwear, or by poor posture. Plantar fascia pain is usually the worst in the morning and with activities like walking, running, or standing for long periods of time. Plantar fasciitis is quite common, however, other conditions such as heel fat pad atrophy, bone spurs, tendonitis, and nerve pain may be mistaken for it. A physiotherapy assessment can determine the cause of your foot pain and its corresponding appropriate treatment. Treatment for plantar fasciitis usually involves rest, manual therapies like massage, intramuscular stimulation (IMS), acupuncture, taping, and specific stretches and exercises. If you have foot pain, call Momentum Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab at 403-982-5600 to see how we can help!
Raina Hawthorne is a physiotherapist at MOMENTUM Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab Ltd. located in Okotoks, AB.