Managing Plantar Fasciitis And Foot Pain With Physiotherapy

Collagen degradation of the plantar fascia at its origin, the calcaneal tuberosity of the heel, as well as the surrounding perifascial tissues, is the cause of plantar fasciitis.

In a healthy foot, the plantar fascia is responsible for many of the foot’s basic biomechanical functions.

It is necessary for the fascia itself to provide support for the arch as well as stress absorption in order to avoid injury.

Despite the fact that it contains the word “itis,” this disorder is distinguished by the absence of inflammatory cells; as a result, it is regarded as a degenerative pathology rather than an inflammatory one. As a result of this, the terms “fasciosis” and “fasciopathy” are being used more frequently to refer to this disorder.

Signs and Symptoms

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that can be brought on by unexpected increases in activity level. It’s possible that you’ll experience a sharp pain on the bottom of your heel, as well as a sense of stiffness and/or discomfort along your arch.

People suffering from plantar fasciitis may experience discomfort in the following areas:

• In the early hours of the day, just before getting out of bed and taking the first steps of the day.
• When one has to stand for an extended period of time.
• After getting up from a sitting position after being seated for a lengthy time.
• Immediately following strenuous exercise such as running or leaping.
• When going up or down stairs.
• When walking barefoot or while wearing shoes with inadequate support.

How to Recognise the Signs of Plantar Fasciitis

Clinical examination is sufficient to diagnose plantar fasciitis; imaging studies are not often necessary, unless it is necessary to rule out other injuries or if conservative therapy is not successful. To begin, a physiotherapist will collect a client’s history during a clinical session in order to get information on the client’s past in terms of physical activity, the type of activity, previous injuries, and family history.

In addition, the physiotherapist will do special tests, an evaluation of the patient’s gait, and a physical examination of the feet in an effort to reproduce the discomfort in order to make a diagnosis. This might involve the specialised examination known as the “Windlass Test.” This test involves the non-invasive stretching of the plantar fascia, which, in the event that plantar fasciitis is suspected, will cause discomfort in the area of the heel in order to provide a positive result.

In spite of the fact that plantar fasciitis is a prevalent condition, there are other injuries that might present in a similar manner and could be of a neurological, soft tissue, or skeletal origin. Some common conditions include:

• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Entrapment of the Nerve in Baxter’s Patient
• Plantar Fascia Achilles tendinopathy will be torn.
• Calcaneal Cysts and Spurs, sometimes referred to as Heel Cysts and Spurs
• Stress fracture of the calcaneus bone
• Inflammatory Arthritis Or a Broken Bone Inside the Foot

How Can a Physical Therapist Help?

Physical therapists have the education and experience to diagnose and treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis.

After your condition has been identified, your physical therapist will collaborate with you to devise a treatment plan that will help reduce the severity of your symptoms. Your therapy could consist of the following:

• Evaluation of your walking pattern (also known as your gait) and how this may be affecting your symptoms.

• Exercises that stretch the plantar fascia and the ankle to increase the range of motion in both of those joints.

• Strengthening exercises are exercises that are performed to strengthen the supporting muscles’ strength.

• Ice packs can help reduce pain and inflammation when applied topically.

• Iontophoresis is a non-invasive method that may be used to distribute medicine via the skin.

• Taping the foot might provide some relief in the short term.

• Wearing supportive footwear and orthotics (shoe inserts) can assist reduce the amount of stress placed on the plantar fascia and minimise aberrant foot motion. Orthotics can also help support your arch.

• A night splint will assist you in maintaining the right posture of your feet and ankles while you sleep.

• Training your gait can help alleviate some of your symptoms and improve your ability to walk.

• According to research, these non-invasive therapies are effective for the majority of instances of plantar fasciitis, and surgery is only required in a small percentage of cases.