One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Without treatment, plantar fasciitis can impair your ability to enjoy walks in the park, shopping trips, or other daily activities. Physical therapy, however, can provide lasting relief and help prevent recurrences.
Getting professional treatment for your condition as early as possible is key to improving your mobility, lowering pain levels, and keeping the condition from becoming chronic. At JAG PT, our experienced therapy team has helped countless people throughout NY, NJ, and PA rehabilitate from plantar fasciitis. Schedule an appointment at your local JAG PT clinic today or read further to learn more about the causes of plantar fasciitis and what your treatment options may be.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis, and Why Does It Cause Heel Pain?
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of fibrous tissue attached to your heel and the base of your toes. The plantar fascia plays a key role in supporting the arches of your feet and heels as you stand, walk, and run. If it becomes inflamed, you will feel pain in the heel or sole of your foot.
Standing on your feet for long periods or participating in activities that place excessive stress on your heels, such as ballet, distance running, or plyometric exercises, can irritate the fascia, giving rise to inflammation over time. Other risk factors include:
- Wearing shoes without adequate arch support
- Walking long distances on hard surfaces
- Abnormal foot structure or gait patterns
- Overweightness
- Previous foot injuries
How Can Physical Therapy Alleviate Pain and Improve Mobility in Plantar Fasciitis?
Your physical therapist might suggest exercises to strengthen supporting muscles and stretches to enhance the flexibility of your plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. If an abnormal gait pattern contributed to the inflammation, gait analysis can be useful in teaching you to move more efficiently to avoid future foot injuries.
Taping or splinting your foot may be an option, particularly if you cannot avoid activities that irritate your feet. Using tape or splints can help stretch your plantar fascia and take some of the stress off your heels.
Your therapist might combine some of these techniques with manual therapy, such as joint and soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release. The JAG PT team will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan for your condition, so the techniques your therapist will use will depend on your lifestyle, needs, and goals.
How Can JAG Physical Therapy Help Manage Plantar Fasciitis?
The JAG Physical Therapy team has a great deal of knowledge and experience when it comes to evaluating and treating foot and ankle injuries. Our approach combines expert professional guidance with ongoing support throughout your healing process. JAG PT patients benefit from our ability to deliver multispecialty treatment, our cutting-edge equipment, and the empathy of our staff.
Take a Step Toward Pain Relief With JAG Physical Therapy
JAG PT’s skilled therapists have a wealth of expertise in managing plantar fasciitis, including our work with top athletes on college and professional teams. Find your nearest JAG PT clinic location in NJ, NY, or PA, or schedule your appointment now to begin getting relief for plantar fasciitis.
Learn More About Physical Therapy from JAG PT:
- Exercises to Relieve Wrist Pain
- Exercises to Relieve Back Pain
- Exercises to Relieve Shoulder Pain
- Exercises for Alleviating Hip Pain