Plantar fasciitis is a degenerative condition affecting a thick band of connective tissue extending from the heel bone along the sole of the foot towards the toes. Plantar fasciitis is often incorrectly referred to as heel spur. This band (otherwise known as plantar fascia) helps to maintain the arch of your foot. Biomechanical abnormalities of the foot may significantly increase the risk of you developing pain in this area. These abnormalities include:
- flat-footedness;
- high arches;
- excessive running;
- significant leg-length difference;
- obesity;
- occupations that require prolonged standing;
- or simply an abnormal way of walking. [1]
It is also important to note in regards to those of you who recently undertook or planning to undertake a sudden significant increase in training intensity, whether it be running or other weight-bearing sport: “individuals who may not have adequate muscle strength or flexibility, and therefore have decreased shock-absorbing capabilities, the initiation of a new training program can exacerbate overloading of the plantar fascia”. [2]
In addition, changes in footwear, particularly changes to firmer footwear, have been associated with overloads of the plantar fascia leading to microtears. [3], [4]
Both, ultrasonography and MR imaging can help to confirm the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. [1]
Plantar fasciitis is a relatively common condition and affects as many as 1 in 10 of you some time during your lifetime. [5] Left untreated the biomechanical abnormalities that cause plantar fasciitis can often result in other health problems such as knee pain. A more chronic or long-standing duration of this condition can result in micro-tearing of the tendon at the cellular level. Because of a lack of blood vessels in the area the healing response is often very slow especially when the predisposing factors are not addressed. Therefore, therapy for plantar fasciitis needs to take all of these factors in consideration.
Here, at BodyFit Physiotherapy we aim to detect and correct the very biomechanical problems that cause this debilitating condition in the first place. This normally creates favourable conditions for the body to use its natural ability to heal itself. As always we try to use the evidence-based approach wherever possible to give you the treatment that has been proven to work. One of such treatment techniques is tissue-specific plantar fascia stretching. In 2003, it has been shown in a US-based clinical study that an 8-week course of this treatment significantly reduces pain, activity limitations and improves patient satisfaction. [6]
We also prescribe you an exercise regime that encourages strengthening of the intrinsic foot muscles that help to support this vital structure.
Our physiotherapists are also trained at the calcaneal taping technique which has been proven to reduce your plantar fasciitis related pain by as much as 56% (pain score of 2.7 out of 10 for the calcaneal taping group versus 6.2 out of 10 for no treatment group). [7]
Our hands-on approach also means that everything is done to address the soft tissue tightness and associated discomfort that go hand-in-hand with this painful injury. On top of all that we will instruct you on effective preventative strategies to avoid the recurrence of plantar fasciitis in the future.
Here is what our clients say about our services:
” Very friendly service with a clear and working rehabilitation program” – Robin
So don’t delay! Call 09-5328942 to make your appointment now or make your appointment online by clicking here. Mention this offer during your first visit and we will give you a roll of strapping tape worth $12 absolutely free.
References:
[1] Goff JD, Crawford R. Diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis. American Family Physician. 2011 Sep 15;84(6):676-82.
[2] Bencardino J, Rosenberg ZS, Delfaut E. MR imaging in sports injuries of the foot and ankle. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinics of North America 1999;7(1):131-149.
[3] Kibler WB, Goldberg C, Chandler TJ. Functional biomechanical deficits in running athletes with plantar fasciitis. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 1991;19(1):66-71.
[4] Sadat-Ali M. Plantar fasciitis/calcaneal spur among security forces personnel. Military Medicine 1998;163(1):56-57.
[5] https://lowerextremityreview.com/article/the-epidemiology-of-plantar-fasciitis
[6] DiGiovanni BF, Nawoczenski DA, Lintal ME, Moore EA, Murray JC, Wilding GE, Baumhauer JF. Tissue-specific plantar fascia-stretching exercise enhances outcomes in patients with chronic heel pain. A prospective, randomized study. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. 2003 Jul;85-A(7):1270-7.
[7] Hyland MR, Webber-Gaffney A, Cohen L, Lichtman PT. Randomized controlled trial of calcaneal taping, sham taping, and plantar fascia stretching for the short-term management of plantar heel pain. Journal of Orthopaedic Sports Physical Therapy. 2006 Jun;36(6):364-71.