Plantar fasciitis is a term commonly used to refer to pain on the bottom of the foot. "Plantar fasciitis" literally mean "inflammation of the fascia on the bottom of the foot", but in reality, signs of inflammation are rarely present in this condition. Additionally, there are several other causes of pain on the bottom of the foot that have nothing to do with the plantar fascia such as the muscles of the foot and small branches of nerves on the heel and in the arch. Treatment for foot/ heel pain has traditionally been icing, stretching the calves, use of orthotics, night splints, and injections.
These treatments all have their place, but the effects are usually only temporary. For a long-term solution to the problem, you need to fix the movement dysfunction that is contributing to the problem (i.e. over- or under-pronation). Your physical therapist can help you diagnose the movement dysfunction and help with retraining the way you walk to be better for your feet. Additionally, joint mobilization/manipulation, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, and/or dry needling may help you get quicker pain relief while working on the long-term solution.
Got sore feet?
Contact More 4 Life Physical Therapy today at 314-941-3970 and get back on your feet!