Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that can cause significant discomfort and impact your daily activities. At ATI Physical Therapy, we understand the challenges this condition presents and offer specialized care to help you find relief through plantar fasciitis physical therapy.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. This condition causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot, particularly when taking your first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia supports the arch of your foot and, as a result, absorbs the impact of your steps when you walk. For many, this impact is normal. For some, this impact can become excessive, especially when paired with lots of standing, high-intensity activity like running, or pre-existing foot conditions like flat feet. 

Plantar Fasciitis occurs when then the fascia is repeatedly stretched or torn and may be the result of:

  • Continually standing for long periods on the job or at home
  • Frequently wearing shoes without appropriate cushioning (e.g., flip flops, flats, high heels, etc.)
  • Overuse from too much exercise, particularly running, jumping, and/or walking 
  • Aging
  • Obesity
  • Regularly walking barefoot on hard surfaces

Common Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis

Online Physical Therapy
Specialty Therapies
Manual Therapy

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms

Heel pain is the most common symptom of plantar fasciitis and it becomes evident in the following settings: 

  • The pain starts in the morning and then progresses as the day goes on.
  • You experience pain after standing for long periods.
  • Your pain worsens when climbing stairs or standing on your toes.

While heel pain is the primary sign, it is still important to get a doctor’s opinion. A doctor will typically diagnose you after a short exam. If any imaging is necessary, like an X-ray, it’s usually to rule out other causes or abnormalities such as a fracture.

Plantar Fasciitis FAQ

Living with plantar fasciitis can raise many questions about its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. To address common concerns, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about this condition. These cover topics such as diagnosis methods, the role of physical therapy in treatment, specific therapeutic approaches, and exercises that can help alleviate symptoms.

Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed through a combination of:

  • Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will check for tender areas in your foot and assess your pain levels.
  • Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, and activities.
  • Imaging Tests: In some cases, X-rays or MRI scans may be used to rule out other conditions like stress fractures or to visualize the plantar fascia.
  • Gait Analysis: Observing how you walk and stand can help identify biomechanical issues contributing to plantar fasciitis.

Yes, physical therapy can be highly effective in treating plantar fasciitis. It can help:

  • Reduce pain and inflammation
  • Improve flexibility in the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon
  • Strengthen the muscles that support the arch and ankle
  • Correct biomechanical issues in walking or running
  • Teach proper stretching techniques and home exercises
  • Provide guidance on appropriate footwear and orthotics

Physical therapy treatment for plantar fasciitis may include:

  • Manual therapy techniques to mobilize soft tissues and joints
  • Stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and calf muscles
  • Strengthening exercises for the foot and lower leg muscles
  • Taping or strapping to support the foot arch
  • Ultrasound or other modalities to reduce pain and inflammation
  • Gait training to improve walking mechanics
  • Custom orthotics or shoe recommendations
  • Education on activity modification and self-management strategies

Common exercises used in physical therapy for plantar fasciitis include:

  • Plantar Fascia Stretches: Rolling a ball under the foot or stretching the toes back
  • Calf Stretches: Both standing and seated variations
  • Towel Curls: Scrunching a towel with your toes to strengthen foot muscles
  • Heel Raises: To strengthen the calf and foot muscles
  • Arch Lifts: Activating the muscles that support the foot arch
  • Balance Exercises: To improve overall foot and ankle stability

Toe Yoga: Exercises to improve dexterity and strength in the toes

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Physical Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis at ATI

At ATI Physical Therapy, we offer comprehensive physical therapy for plantar fasciitis. Whether you’re dealing with acute pain or chronic symptoms, our team is committed to helping you regain comfort and function in your daily activities. Contact ATI Physical Therapy today to start your journey towards relief from plantar fasciitis.