Plantar Fasciitis: What is it and how can we help?
Plantar Fasciitis is a common foot condition which is described as inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue along the bottom of the foot that connects your help bone to your toes. It can cause intense heel pain, hindering daily activities and potentially impacting overall quality of life. Practitioners play a crucial role in the management of plantar fasciitis by introducing a range of effecting treatment techniques to alleviate pain and restoring optimal foot function with the use of exercise.
First things first, a consultation will have to take place, where we conduct a series of muscle tests to accurately diagnose plantar fasciitis as well as assessing gait patterns (an individual’s manner of walking) and foot biomechanics. This assessment helps to identify underlying causes and any contributing factors of plantar fasciitis, then producing a personalised treatment plan.
Treating Plantar Fasciitis
Using various pain relief techniques to alleviate discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis will help to reduce inflammation, promote blood flow, increase range of motion in the ankle joint and relieve tension in the plantar fascia. These techniques include:
Soft tissue mobilisation – e.g. trigger point therapy
Sports Massage Therapy
Joint mobilisation
As a Sports Therapist, we also prescribe specific stretching and strengthening exercises to address imbalances and weaknesses associated with plantar fasciitis. Calf stretches, achilles tendon stretches, and plantar fascia-specific exercises will help to improve flexibility, reduce tension, and promote healing to the area. Strengthening exercises for the foot and ankle muscles enhance stability and support, reducing the risk of future injury.
In some cases, having use of orthotic devices may help to alleviate symptoms. These devices support, correct alignment, reduce stress on the plantar fascia to facilitate proper foot function.
Sports Therapy plays a vital role in the effective management of plantar fasciitis. Through consultations, targeted pain relief techniques, stretching and strengthening exercises and use of orthotics, plantar fasciitis can be managed!
If you want more information or would like to book an appointment, give us a call on 01202 604707 or email admin@wimbornewellnesscentre.co.uk.
-Lisa (Lead Sports Therapist)