• Injury Spotlight: Plantar Fasciitis

    Injury Spotlight: Plantar Fasciitis

    Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that affects about 10% of the population. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that connects the heel to the toes and supports the arch of your foot. With overuse or injury, the tissue may become inflamed or torn. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain in the heel area extending down the arch of the foot, which tends to be worst in the mornings and with standing.

    Risk Factors

    • Those over 40 years old
    • Prolonged standing or weight bearing
    • Rapid increase in activity level
    • Loss of flexibility in the calf muscle/Achilles
    • Increased body weight (obesity)
    • Flat feet

    Signs and Symptoms

    • Morning pain/stiffness when stepping out of bed
    • Pain with standing
    • Pain while climbing stairs
    • Pain while barefoot

    A physical therapist will be able to properly diagnose and treat this condition. If you are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, your therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan for you. Most plans will include stretching to improve flexibility, use of a night splint to maintain ankle and toe positioning, shoe inserts or orthotics, application of ice, etc. Surgery is rare, but can be a last case scenario if conservative treatment does not show any positive results.

    If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, do not hesitate to seek advice from a medical professional. Here at Physical Solutions we can help! Call our office to set up an appointment today.

    Learn more about plantar fasciitis and other overuse injuries at our seminar in Westbury this Wednesday morning at 10:30!