Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a heel-pain-causing disorder. The plantar fascia, a broad band of tissue that connects the heel to the ball of the foot and supports the arch, can become inflamed or torn. While you put weight on your foot, especially when taking your first steps in the morning, you feel agony. The discomfort might be felt in the heel, arch, or ball of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis is a frequent ailment that affects the soles of the feet. It affects as many as 9.6% of the UK population and 10% of the population at some point in their lives.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a heel-pain-causing disorder. The plantar fascia, a broad band of tissue that connects the heel to the ball of the foot and supports the arch, can become inflamed or torn. When the plantar fascia is overworked by repeated weight-bearing exercises, the condition develops. Heel spurs, a bony protrusion that occurs on the heel bone, are common in people with plantar fasciitis. People with heel spurs, on the other hand, may not feel any pain.
Plantar fasciitis is most common in persons in their 40s, but it can affect people of any age.
Athletes who run frequently and non-athletes who are on their feet for the most of the day, such as police officers, cashiers, or restaurant workers, might develop the condition.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by a number of factors, including:
- Age (over 40 years)
- A job, sport, or hobby that involves prolonged standing or other weight-bearing activity
- Rapid increases in length or levels of activity, such as beginning a new running program or changing to a job that requires a lot more standing or walking than you are accustomed to
- Decreased calf muscle flexibility
- Increased body weight (Body Mass Index greater than 30)
- Tendency to have a flat foot (pronation)
Plantar fasciitis affects both athletes and non-athletes of all ages. Both men and women are equally at risk of developing the disease. In most cases, treatment relieves discomfort and allows you to put weight on your foot again.
Signs and Symptoms
The start of plantar fasciitis symptoms is typically accompanied by an increase in exercise. A searing pain on the underside of your heel, as well as tightness and/or discomfort around your arch, are possible symptoms.
Plantar fasciitis patients may encounter the following symptoms:
- In the morning, when stepping out of bed and taking the first steps of the day
- With prolonged standing
- When standing up after sitting for awhile
- After an intense weight-bearing activity such as running
- When climbing stairs
- When walking barefoot or in shoes with poor support
Your pain may diminish during the day as your body warms up, but then intensify at the end of the day due to prolonged walking. You may limp if you have severe symptoms.
Diagnosis:
Your physiotherapist at Physiocare in Twyford, Reading, will conduct a medical history to ensure you don’t have any other conditions that could be causing your pain. The physiotherapist will make a diagnosis based on your medical and activity history, as well as a clinical examination. The physiotherapist will be able to assess your illness and develop a treatment programme for your unique needs if you share information regarding the relationship between your symptoms and your work and recreation, as well as any lifestyle changes.
Your therapist may do the following physical examinations to determine if you have plantar fasciitis:
- Massaging and pressing on the heel area (palpation)
- Gently stretching the ankle to bend the top of the foot toward the leg (dorsiflexion)
- Gently pressing the toes toward the ankle
How a Physiotherapist at Physiocare Twyford can help?
Plantar fasciitis will be evaluated and treated by physiotherapists at Physiocare in Twyford, Reading.
If you’ve been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, your physiotherapist will work with you to create a treatment plan that includes:
- Stretching exercises to improve the flexibility of your ankle and the plantar fascia
- Use of a night splint to maintain correct ankle and toe positions
- Selection of supportive footwear and/or shoe inserts that minimize foot pronation and reduce stress to the plantar fascia
- Application of ice to decrease pain and inflammation
- Iontophoresis (a gentle way to deliver medication through the skin)
- Taping of the foot to provide short-term relief
- Shockwave therapy
Shockwave Therapy for Plantar fasciitis in Twyford
Shockwave therapy is effective treatment for Plantar fasciitis recommended by NICE. Learn more at our shockwave page here.
Injection Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis
To book for a steroid injection you can call our normal reception line, 0118 934 4055 or email direct to physio@physiocare.co.uk requesting an appointment for an injection. Please include your name, date of birth, your address and GP contact details. You will be sent a form to complete and forward back to us or bring along on the day which gives information about the injection.
Book your appointment today – call 0118 934 4055 CONTACT US