Physical therapy for plantar fasciitis is key, as ignoring your symptoms can result in chronic heel pain, as well as knee, hip and back pain [Plantar fasciitis – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic]. Affecting 10 percent of all adults, plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the fibrous tissue on the bottom of the foot that connects the heel to the toes. Risk factors include excessive standing, running, being overweight, and having flat or high-arch feet.
Constant pain at your heel and/or on the sole of your foot is typical of plantar fasciitis. This pain is usually increased upon awaking in the morning, when getting up from a bed or chair, and the longer you’re on your feet.
A physical therapy exam for this condition includes looking at how supportive your footwear is, analyzing your standing posture and pattern of walking / running (gait), as well as identifying what joints or muscle issues are contributing to your symptoms. Treatment typically involves stretching and releasing the muscles that connect to the Achilles tendon, lengthening and/or strengthening the plantar fascia (arch building), and fixing any knee, hip or lower back stiffness or weakness that’s increasing pressure on your foot and ankle.