Plantar Fasciitis Specialist

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that refers to inflammation of your plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue that runs from the ball of your foot to your toes.

Plantar fasciitis typically occurs from tightening of the tissue under the foot and even further up in the legs. This tightening causes inflammation and tiny tears in the tissue that lead to pain.

Changes in the shape of the foot, such as fallen arches or changes in shoe wear, can also affect plantar fasciitis. An alteration in your walking posture can also place additional strain on the tissue.

Plantar fasciitis most often occurs in runners and people who spend a lot of time on their feet. Carrying excess body weight may increase your risk of heel pain.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

With plantar fasciitis, you may experience burning or sharp pain when standing on the affected leg. The pain most often occurs first thing in the morning or with initial standing after sitting for a prolonged period of time.

You may also experience pain due to a buildup of inflammation if you walk for an extended period of time.

Then, when you sit or sleep, the inflammation thickens and the plantar fascia stiffens, and when you go to step on the foot, the inflamed and stiff tissue stretches and causes pain. The pain is most often felt in the heel. However, it can extend along the bottom of the foot.

How can physical therapy help my heel pain?

Physical therapy at Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy not only helps reduce the pain caused by your plantar fasciitis but also helps prevent a recurrence.

Your physical therapist evaluates your movement, posture, walking pattern, ankle, and foot mobility to create your personalized treatment plan.

Your therapist’s gentle hands-on approach is great for soothing the irritated tissue in the foot, as well as improving range of motion in the foot and ankle joints.

Your therapist may also incorporate passive modalities into your treatment plan, such as ultrasound and ice, to reduce swelling and pain quickly. The ultimate goal of your therapy is to reduce pain and improve overall strength so you can enjoy long-term results.

Physical therapy at Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy for your plantar fasciitis can get you back to doing the things you love quickly. For a consultation, contact the office by phone or online today.