What is Plantar Fasciitis?
A condition when the plantar fascia ligament (a thick, fibrous band of tissue) that joins your heel bone to your toes becomes inflamed and irritated, causing pain in the heel and arch of the foot is called Plantar Fascitis.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
The strain on the plantar fascia ligament, resulting in tiny tears in the ligament causes Plantar Fascitis. The most common causes for this condition are Biomechanical issues (like high arches or flat feet), Wearing poorly fitting or worn-out footwear, Being overweight, or Doing a job in which you have to stand for long periods of time on hard surfaces, like teachers or retail workers, Excessive strain on the feet from running, Tight calf muscle or Achilles tendon.
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
The symptoms of Plantar fasciitis are pain, inflammation, and tenderness at the heel of the affected foot. Stabbing pain at the heel, particularly after being inactive (during the first few steps), Pain in the heel after heavy exercise, Pain and inflammation at the arch of the foot, Pain that gets worse when you move the joint and stiffness in the Heel are some symptoms of Plantar fasciitis.
Worried about symptoms of plantar fasciitis? Consult a physiotherapist in Scarborough and book an assessment today.
How is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?
Treatment for Plantar fasciitis can be done either at home and in a clinical setting. There are several steps to reduce the pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis. For example, to ease the pain one can take Rest, Apply ice, Avoid activities, Use anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Physiotherapy depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Treatment consists of Active stretching, Strengthening and range of motion exercises, Soft tissue massage, a Personalized exercise plan, Custom orthotics to support the arch of the foot, and Pain relieving modalities like Therapeutic ultrasound, Heat, and ice therapy and Electrical stimulation. At our clinic we have notice by using Simply Align Technique which includes advance physical modalities such as Shockwave, activity modification and specific exercises we have faster, longer lasting results with reduced healing time.
Recent research shows that the most effective way to treat plantar fasciitis is costume orthotics and shockwave therapy. Laser therapy and stretches can also help. All the above are available at both of our clinics in Toronto (Scarborough) and Vaughan (Woodbridge).
Can Plantar Fasciitis Go Away On Its Own?
Yes. Plantar fasciitis can go away with at-home treatments, like applying cold therapy, resting the foot, and taking pain-relieving medication. However, it is likely to reoccur without activity modification, particularly if it is a result of repetitive use or a biomechanical issue (flat feet or high arches).
Can You Prevent Plantar Fasciitis?
If your job requires you to stand for long periods or if you have a biomechanical issue, it may be necessary to consult a physiotherapist about your specific therapeutic needs. However, a few steps can help you to avoid plantar fasciitis. They are Stretching your arches and calf before and after exercise or long periods of standing, Wearing supportive footwear, and Maintaining a healthy weight.
