Don’t let this common condition keep you off your feet!
Have you noticed a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel of your foot, especially after a period of activity? It’s likely plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain, particularly among active adults. While plantar fasciitis is painful, the physiotherapists at The Running Physio in Toronto, ON can help find a treatment solution that works for you.
If you’re experiencing plantar fasciitis, you’re in good company: Researchers estimate it affects around 10% of the general population, with most of those patients being active adults. Runners are especially susceptible to the condition; one study estimates that it accounts for 17% of runner-related injuries.
But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it can’t be debilitating. Because plantar fasciitis affects the underside of your foot, it can affect everyday activities like walking or performing work tasks–not to mention keeping you from your daily workout!
Fortunately, the team of physiotherapists at The Running Physio can develop a customized treatment plan to relieve your pain, improve the strength and flexibility in your foot, address any gait impairments, and help you prevent further injury.
You don’t have to hobble through life with plantar fasciitis pain. Schedule an appointment at our Toronto, ON physiotherapy office to get started!
The causes and symptoms of plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis occurs when high-impact activities like running or jumping strain the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the arch of your foot. It’s often an overuse injury, meaning that it results from several micro tears over time rather than one major trauma.
The condition tends to affect two groups: athletes who run and jump frequently and people with jobs that require them to be on their feet, such as retail workers.
The primary symptom is pain either in the heel (usually a stabbing pain) or along the underside of the foot (usually a sense of tightness or tenderness). Pain will usually fluctuate throughout the day, worsening after times of high activity. If you notice foot pain during these times, you might have plantar fasciitis:
- After high-impact activities like running or jumping
- After standing for an extended period
- Standing up after sitting for a long period or when you first get up in the morning
- When climbing stairs
- When going barefoot
While the pain may feel manageable initially, it can worsen over time. If left untreated, you could develop a limp.
How physiotherapy can help you find plantar fasciitis relief solutions
The physiotherapists at The Running Physio are trained in the body’s musculoskeletal system–including your foot's bones, tendons, and muscles. Here are just some of the techniques we offer that can help restore your foot to full functionality:
- Gait assessment: We’ll often start with an assessment of your walking patterns to ensure there are no abnormalities that worsen your symptoms. If there are, we’ll work with you on specialized gait training exercises.
- Manual therapy: This hands-on approach involves manipulating both the ankle joint and the foot's soft tissue, including the plantar fascia. It’s key in reducing your pain and improving your mobility.
- Stretching exercises: We’ll show you exercises to stretch both the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon (a tendon located in your heel) to improve your foot’s overall mobility.
- Taping: Taping offers short-term pain relief and, when used with stretching exercises, can yield better results than stretching alone.
- Orthotics: These shoe inserts will support your arch and reduce stress on your plantar fascia as you heal.
- Night splinting: A night splint immobilizes your foot and ankle, helping to stretch your plantar fascia as your sleep. This technique is particularly helpful if you notice symptoms when you first wake up.
What to expect from your physiotherapy appointments at The Running Physio in Toronto, ON
Our physiotherapists will begin with a detailed assessment when you come in for your initial appointment. We’ll take a complete medical history and learn more about your symptoms and activity levels, especially if you’re an athlete.
We’ll also conduct a comprehensive, hands-on evaluation consisting of movement and gait screens. These screens help us get a complete picture of your condition, including any movement abnormalities that may worsen your condition.
From there, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan based on your needs. While every treatment plan is different, you can expect a blend of manual therapy and foot stretches, both of which are highly effective in treating plantar fasciitis. We’ll incorporate other treatment techniques as needed.
Recovery from plantar fasciitis can take time. Our physiotherapists will carefully track your progress, adjusting treatment as needed. We’ll also provide you with a detailed return-to-activity plan, especially if you’re an athlete or have a physically demanding job. In the meantime, however, we’ll work with you on activity modifications so you can stay active as you recover.
Finally, our therapists will help you develop a prevention strategy so you can avoid another incidence of plantar fasciitis. We’ll show you stretching exercises you can do at home or provide information on proper footwear.
Don’t keep struggling with foot pain–make your appointment today!
There’s no reason to suffer through plantar fascia pain. If it hurts to stand, call the team at The Running Physio! We’ll provide you with a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan so you can get back to the activities you love.
