*Foot Pain - Plantar Fasciitis and PT

FOOT PAIN - PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Plantar Fasciitis or foot pain caused by tightening of the connective tissue or plantar fascia can cause significant dysfunction.    Tightness of the fascia can place a lot of pressure on sensitive nerves and stimulate bone spur formation.  People with this condition often have difficulty walking, finding comfortable shoes, and may develop chronic problems.   

Conservative Physical Therapy Management of foot pain may include:

• Modalities: such as heat and ice
• Manual Therapy:  “hands on” treatment to improve pain and restore function and movement. 
• Mobilization and Manipulation:  movement of a joint to improve pain and restore functional movement.
• Therapeutic Exercise:  specific exercise to improve pain and restore functional movement. 
• Functional Movement Training:  exercises to improve posture and movement.
• Biofeedback:  a way of using a computer or other device to “see” and improve body functions such as muscle activity or indicators of stress.   
• Electrical Stimulation or TENS:  used to help improve pain, inflammation, muscle spasm, muscle function, and circulation.
• Splints or Orthotics:  devices to help correct foot mobility and position.

Physical Therapists are specialists in restoring movement and function related to muscle, bone, or joint dysfunction.  They often work to improve pain and disability.  To learn more about PT or find one in your area, check out a consumer oriented site on PT here   or the main site of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) here.

*Links are given to provide a general overview of a topic and not intended to suggest complete or authoritative information on a particular subject.  The information provided is always subject to change.*