Dealing with plantar fasciitis can be really tough, especially if you’re someone who enjoys staying active. If you’re feeling frustrated and in pain, there is a solution that can help you regain a pain free lifestyle: With the right physiotherapy techniques.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain in the heel and the bottom arch of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed or irritated due to overuse, or compensation for other weaker muscles and structures. This condition is often characterised by stabbing pain that is most severe with the first few steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of standing or walking.
At Physio Bangkok, we understand just how complex this condition can be and the impact it can have on your quality of life. We have compiled years of experience treating plantar fasciitis patients, and we’re here to help you too!
Our physiotherapists use a variety of evidence-based techniques to help you overcome your symptoms, to identify and fix the root cause. We focus on finding a treatment plan that works best for you, tailored to your individual needs.
The magic in properly treating plantar fasciitis lies in these 4 approaches
- Biomechanical Assessment: To identify any underlying issues that may contribute to plantar fasciitis, we conduct a comprehensive assessment of a patient’s foot and lower limb biomechanics, including a gait and running technique assessment, as well as a footwear analysis.
- Manual Therapy: we’re known for successfully utilising manual therapy techniques, such as massage, joint mobilisation, and activating exercises, to alleviate pain and enhance joint strength and mobility.
- Exercise Therapy: We create customised exercise programs that focus on strengthening the muscles and tissues surrounding the foot and ankle, thereby reducing stress on the plantar fascia. These programs are tailored to each patient’s individual needs, considering factors like age, activity level, and overall health.
- Education: We offer patients information about the causes and symptoms of plantar fasciitis, as well as strategies to manage their condition at home, such as advice on footwear, stretching, and self-massage techniques.
As part of our holistic approach, we perform a thorough biomechanical assessment of your foot and lower limb to identify any issues that may be contributing to your plantar fasciitis. This may include an assessment of gait and running technique, as well as a footwear assessment.
We also believe that education is a vital component in treating plantar fasciitis. We provide you with information on the causes and symptoms of the condition, as well as strategies to manage your pain at home. We offer advice on footwear, stretching, and self-massage techniques to help you get back to your daily routine as quickly as possible.
It’s important to remember that healing from plantar fasciitis takes time. But with the help of our skilled physiotherapists, you can take the first steps towards pain-free feet. Whether you’re a busy parent, an athlete, or someone who simply wants to get back to their daily routine, we’re here to help you achieve your goals.
If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact our physiotherapy clinic today to schedule an appointment and start your journey towards a more comfortable and active lifestyle.
References:
- DiGiovanni BF, Nawoczenski DA, Lintal ME, et al. Tissue-specific plantar fascia-stretching exercise enhances outcomes in patients with chronic heel pain. A prospective, randomized study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003;85-A(7):1270-1277. doi:10.2106/00004623-200307000-00010
- Martin RL, Davenport TE, Reischl SF, McPoil TG, Matheson JW, Wukich DK, et al. Heel pain-plantar fasciitis: revision 2014. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2014 Nov;44(11):A1-33. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2014.0303. PMID: 25361856.
- Mills K, Blanch P, Dev P, Martin M, Vicenzino B. A systematic review and meta-analysis of foot orthoses and variable stiffness shoes as therapeutic interventions for flexible pes planus. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2010 Jun;25(5):469-77. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2010.02.011. Epub 2010 Mar 19. PMID: 20304477.
- Piva SR, Erhard RE, Childs JD, Browder DA. Effectiveness of dry needling for chronic plantar heel pain: a randomized controlled trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2015 Mar;45(3):171-81. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2015.5556. Epub 2015 Feb 6. PMID: 25661957.
- Rathleff MS, Mølgaard CM, Fredberg U, Kaalund S, Andersen KB, Jensen TT, Aaskov S, Olesen JL. High-load strength training improves outcome in patients with plantar fasciitis: A randomized controlled trial with 12-month follow-up. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2015 Aug;25(4):e292-300. doi: 10.1111/sms.12313. Epub 2014 Jul 8. PMID: 25042058.
