Plantar Fasciitis
What is it?
Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain. It is caused by inflammation of the band of tissue which runs along the sole of the foot (the plantar fascia). This condition is characterised by a sharp pain in the heel or arch of the foot. Symptoms are often most notable with your first few steps after getting out of bed in the morning. Pain may also be felt when getting up after a prolonged period of sitting. This pain usually subsides once you get moving but then it may worsen again if you stand or walk for too long.
Symptoms generally come on gradually and then worsen over time. A bony spur in the heel may accompany this condition.
Causes:
- Inappropriate footwear
- Being overweight
- Poor biomechanics
- flat feet
- high arches
- abnormal gait pattern
- Increasing age – Plantar Fasciitis is most common among 40-60 year olds but it may occur at any age
- Jump landing injury
- Exercise – certain exercises can put excessive pressure on the plantar fascia e.g. long-distance running. Pain is often caused by doing “too much too soon”.
Physio for Plantar Fasciitis:
Plantar Fasciitis can be effectively treated with physiotherapy. Your Physio will first carry out a thorough assessment. Once a diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis is reached they will discuss your treatment plan. Treatment will usually involve advice on activity modification, manual therapy and a progressive loading program. Treatment will initially focus on relieving the pain and later focus on restoring mobility and building resilience in the tissues. This will prevent a recurrence of this problem. In some cases, where foot biomechanics are the causal factor, your Physio may prescribe an insole. Your therapist will discuss this with you at your appointment.
Are you suffering with foot pain? Contact one of our physiotherapists today to discuss treatment. Call us on (01) 825 2623 or email us on info@cloneephysio.ie or click on the button below to book an appointment.