Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition that occurs when the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue along the heel, is irritated or inflamed. The road is long and difficult if you face plantar fasciitis alone, which is why you should seriously consider physical therapy (PT) as a treatment for your condition.
PT can be a very effective treatment option for plantar fasciitis foot pain. It may come as a surprise, but physical therapy is not all exercise. There is a lot more a highly skilled physical therapist can provide in terms of therapeutic treatments. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis pain, there is no doubt that a physical therapist can help you find relief.
In this article, we will discuss how PT can be a great solution for plantar fasciitis foot pain, and where in Austin you can go for superior treatment.
What is Physical Therapy?
PT focuses on exercises, manual therapy, and other techniques to help people recover from their injuries, reduce pain, and improve mobility. A physical therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in designing and implementing rehabilitation programs for individuals with injuries or other painful conditions and mobility issues.
Physical Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis Foot Pain
Here are some elements of a PT program for plantar fasciitis:
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
A physical therapist will often prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises to help reduce pain and inflammation in the foot. These exercises can help to improve flexibility and range of motion in the foot and ankle, which reduces stress on the plantar fascia. You will stretch your Achilles tendon, plantar fascia, and calf. Strengthening exercises can also help to improve muscle control and reduce the risk of future injuries. Toe curls and heel raises, as well as ankle pumps, are examples of strengthening exercises that you can do for plantar fasciitis relief.
Footwear and Orthotics
A physical therapist can also provide advice on proper footwear and prescribe orthotics, such as arch supports, to help reduce stress on the plantar fascia. Wearing proper footwear and using orthotics can help improve foot mechanics and reduce the risk of future injuries. A physical therapist can determine the type of orthotic that is right for you and help perfectly size the orthotic to your foot.
Gait Analysis
A physical therapist can also perform a gait analysis to evaluate how you walk and run. Abnormalities in gait mechanics can put excessive stress on the plantar fascia and contribute to plantar fasciitis foot pain. Identifying and correcting these abnormalities helps treat plantar fasciitis and prevent a recurrence.
Plantar fasciitis foot pain can be a frustrating and painful condition, but physical therapy can be very beneficial when done properly. By working with a physical therapist to develop a customized treatment plan, you can improve your plantar fasciitis symptoms.
Physical Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Austin, TX
Endeavor Physical Therapy offers comprehensive PT services for patients with painful foot and ankle conditions such as plantar fasciitis. Our programs are individualized for each patient to give them the best possible outcomes. Rest assured, our licensed physical therapists are highly skilled in the treatment of this condition and see plantar fasciitis patients regularly.
To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (512)-886-7110 or use our convenient online request form. Endeavor Physical Therapy has convenient locations serving Austin, Round Rock, Manor, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Bee Cave, Hutto, San Marcos, and Kyle.
