• 20 Dec 2022
• |
• By Admin

What Is Plantar Fasciitis? Can Physiotherapy Help In Treating Plantar Fasciitis?

Share :

Have you ever experienced a stabbing and unbearable pain originating from the bottom of the feet, near the heel, especially when one starts walking after a considerable amount of time, disrupting the normal gait and movement?

That happens due to Plantar Fasciitis, and the good news is that it can be healed with physiotherapy.

In this blog, we will try to understand what is Plantar Fasciitis, its symptoms and causes, and how physiotherapy can help the patient to heal and recover.

Plantar Fasciitis: Definition & Causes

Pain arising from the plantar fascia is called Plantar Fasciitis, a very common, but extremely painful orthopedic condition, usually occurring in patients aged 40-60 years, both male and female.

Now, the plantar fascia is a thick, weblike ligament, that connects one’s heels with the front of the foot, and basically acts like a shock absorber for the foot. It also supports the arch of the foot, enabling the person to walk smoothly.

The condition Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia ligaments experience wear and tear due to movements and walks, and there is additional pressure on the feet which tends to damage the ligaments.

When this happens, then the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, resulting in heel pain and stiffness.

Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis

The most common and primary symptom of Plantar Fasciitis is the pain originating from the bottom of the heel, or sometimes the bottom mid-foot area. Usually, this condition impacts one foot, but in exceptional cases, both feet are also prone to this pain.

The pain due to Plantar Fasciitis is at its peak during the mornings, then the patient wakes up, and takes the first step few steps after a long period of time.

A burning sensation or stabbing pain can be experienced from the bottom of the foot, which extends outwards, from the heel.

A very interesting thing to note: Patients suffering from Plantar Fasciitis don’t feel this pain while walking, but rather, after stopping and/or after resuming the walk.

Imaging Tests For Plantar Fasciitis

Orthopedics and Physiotherapists recommend imaging tests such as X-Ray or MRI to decode the issues pertaining to this pain, by checking the structures and tissues within the foot to understand the cause of Plantar Fasciitis.

Although X-Ray won’t reveal the exact details, an expert physiotherapist can find out the issues related to bone fractures, heel spurs, or any other factor which caused Plantar Fasciitis.

With an ultrasound, the physiotherapist can find out whether there is any thickening, or calcifications of the ligaments or tissues, which caused this pain.

Meanwhile, an MRI scan can reveal if there is any thickening of the plantar fascia or swelling which caused this condition.

Can Physiotherapy Treat Plantar Fasciitis?

Yes, physiotherapy has been found to be an excellent non-surgical method to treat and heal Plantar Fasciitis and give relief to patients. With gradual and dedicated physiotherapy exercises and treatment, the patient can witness a marked improvement in their condition.

Physiotherapy exercises are targeted to stretch plantar fascia and Achilles tendons, besides strengthening lower leg muscles, which enables the patient to stabilize their walks by lessening the burden on the plantar fascia.

Depending on the case and level of pain, physiotherapists can also recommend extracorporeal shock wave therapy, wherein sound waves are bombarded onto the heel, to stimulate healing within the ligament.

Consult with our UK-trained and certified Physiotherapists at CureNow Wellness, and find out how Physiotherapy can help the patient to recover from Plantar Fasciitis. We have advanced procedures such as Therapeutic Ultrasound and Kinesiotaping available at our clinic.

Book your appointment