Therapy Talk with Cardinal Physical Therapy
Q: I went to the doctor to ask about my heel pain and he told me I had Plantar Fasciitis. What can physical therapy do…
Q: I went to the doctor to ask about my heel pain and he told me I had Plantar Fasciitis. What can physical therapy do for me?
A: Plantar fasciitis is a common condition causing heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the ball of the foot, becomes inflamed or tears.
One key symptom of plantar fasciitis is a stabbing pain on the underside of your heel, often accompanied by a sensation of tightness and/or tenderness along your arch.
Plantar fasciitis happens most frequently with a sudden increase in activity and is usually agitated by prolonged standing. In extreme cases, plantar fasciitis may cause a limp, but even then, physical therapy can help.
Physical therapists are trained with a unique skill set to evaluate and treat their patients.
If you are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, a physical therapist can work with you to design a program that decreases your symptoms and is specified to your case. This program may include the use of a night splint to maintain correct ankle and toe positions, selection of supportive footwear and/or shoe inserts that reduce stress to the plantar fascia, and most importantly, stretching exercises to improve the flexibility of your ankle and plantar fascia.
Plantar fasciitis occurs in 10 percent of the population over their lifetime and in as many as two million Americans per year. If you are experiencing pain and a decrease in quality of life, then you should consider an evaluation with a licensed physical therapist.
For more information on treatment for plantar fasciitis or to schedule an appointment, call Cardinal Physical Therapy at 440-668-4186.
Cardinal Physical Therapy is at 12656 West Geauga Plaza, Chester Township.
