What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is damage and inflammation to the connective tissue on the sole of the foot forming the inner arch (plantar fascia) causing pain in the heel.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is commonly caused by biomechanical abnormality, such as excessive pronation or supination of the foot. Plantar fasciitis may also be caused by calf tightness or repetitive overuse such as walking excessively especially up hills or on uneven surfaces.
What are the symptoms/effects of plantar fasciitis?
The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain underneath the heel and along the inner sole of the foot, which is worse in the morning and when walking or running.
Diagnosis of plantar fasciitis
A thorough physical assessment from a physiotherapist or doctor will confirm a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis.
Physiotherapy treatment for plantar fasciitis
Physiotherapy treatment will reduce pain and accelerate healing so that you can get back to your sports and everyday activities as quickly as possible.
Early physiotherapy treatment is vital to speed up recovery and ensure you make significant improvement in the short and long term.
At Manchester Physio, our specialised musculoskeletal physiotherapists will initially assess your injury to identify the underlying cause and develop a treatment program accordingly which may include:
- Soft tissue massage
- Joint mobilisation
- Ultrasound
- arch support taping
- Ice or heat therapy
- Advice about heel padding, insoles or orthotics
- Exercise program to improve balance, strength and flexibility
- Biomechanical correction
- Footwear assessment
If you would like more information on how physiotherapy can help with plantar fasciitis, or to book an assessment please call 0161 883 0077.