Plantar Fasciitis – What Is It, and Do I Have It?

By Dr. Kyle McDonough, PT, DPT, CSCS ///

Are you sometimes hit with a stabbing pain on the underside of your heel when you first get out of bed? Or maybe you’ve been feeling a tenderness along your foot’s arch when you stand for long periods? Well, especially if you’re over 40, your pain might be due to a condition known as plantar fasciitis.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that affects men and women equally, both athletes and non-athletes. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that runs across the bottom of each foot and connects the heel bone to the toes.

Who Gets It?
According to Mayoclinic.org, certain factors may increase your risk of developing this condition:

• Age. Plantar fasciitis is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60, though it can occur at any age.
• Certain types of exercise. Activities that place a lot of stress on your heel and attached tissue — such as long-distance running, ballet dancing, and aerobic dance — can contribute to the onset of plantar fasciitis.
• Foot mechanics. Flat feet, a high arch, or even an atypical pattern of walking.
• Obesity. Excess pounds put extra stress on your plantar fascia.
• Occupations that keep you on your feet. Factory workers, teachers, and others who spend most of their work hours walking or standing on hard surfaces can be at increased risk of plantar fasciitis.

Is There a Treatment?

Yes. Your Scerbo physical therapist will work with you to reduce pain and restore your walking ability. Your treatment may include:

• Assessment of your gait (how you walk) and Gait training to help lessen symptoms and improve your walking ability.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and strength of supporting muscles.
• Application of ice to decrease pain and inflammation.
• Iontophoresis (a gentle way to deliver medication through the skin).
• Taping of the foot for short-term relief.
• Orthotics (shoe inserts) and supportive footwear to minimize abnormal foot motion, or to help support your arch, reducing stress to the plantar fascia.
• A night splint in some cases to help you maintain correct ankle and toe positions while sleeping.

Will I need surgery?
The good news is that most cases of plantar fasciitis improve over time with physical therapy treatments, and surgery is rarely needed.

The therapists at Scerbo Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation will help you get relief from plantar fasciitis pain and keep it from recurring. Talk to us today at 201-941-2240 or visit our beautiful Edgewater, NJ facility.