PT Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis
More than three million people in the United States have flat feet and suffer from Plantar Fasciitis. Nobody wants to deal with heel pain, especially when you take those first few steps in the morning. If you suffer from intense heel pain you may benefit from visiting a physical therapist in Nassau County NY with Island Sports Physical Therapy.
What is Plantar Fasciitis? How Can Physical Therapy in Nassau County NY Help?
Plantar Fasciitis is the most common heel pain where inflammation of a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. As a result, heel spurs are created and create excess calcium deposits on your heel.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Too much pressure damages or tears to muscle tissue causes inflammation which causes heel pain and stiffness. Tight calf muscles, obesity, high arch, and repetitive impact activity can cause Plantar Fasciitis as well. It is also common in people with flat feet.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis include:
- Pain coming from the bottom of the foot near the heel.
- Pain in your first few steps in the morning, or after a period of rest.
- The pain will usually diminish after a few minutes of walking but will reappear with continued activity.
- Pain is greatest after long physical activity, not during activity.
How is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?
Consult with your doctor about the pain you are experiencing. Depending on the level of pain, you may be subject to an X-Ray or MRI.
- X-Ray is useful in ruling out fractures, breaks, and arthritis. An X-Ray will also reveal if there is a heel spur present.
- MRI may be used to look at soft tissues to make sure there are no muscle tears. MRI’s are not often used. They are only used if pain continues after finding a negative result on an X-Ray.
How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis With Physical Therapy in Nassau County NY:
The most effective form of treatment is physical therapy. Physical Therapy will use exercises and stretches to strengthen your Plantar Fascia, Achilles tendon, and lower leg muscles. The stretching and strengthening exercises will help stabilize your heel and ankle. After the treatment Ice, E-Stim, and massage therapy may be used to help your muscles recover.
Manual Physical Therapy is common when treating plantar fasciitis. Manual therapy consists of massaging and stretching the muscles in and around the heel. These stretches include specific calf stretches and foot stretches.
Mobilization Therapy focuses on eliminating scar tissues around the Plantar Fascia. Deep tissue massages and foam rolling will help break down and eliminate scar tissue. This will increase mobility in your heel and ankle which will reduce stress on the heel.
Studies show that high load strength training in physical therapy leads to a quicker reduction of pain. Certain evidence also shows that physical therapy will help you recover faster and cost you less than if you were to choose another treatment method.
Where To Go: The best option to treat Plantar Fasciitis is to go to physical therapy in Nassau County NY. Island Sports Physical Therapy offers two locations in Nassau County: Glen Cove and East Meadow. Physical Therapists at the two locations work to help rehab current injuries and work to prevent injuries in the future. Schedule an appointment with Island Sports Physical Therapy today so you can wake up feeling pain-free.