PLANTAR FASCITIS

Heel Pain medically known as Plantar fasciitis is a very common condition in today’s fast paced lifestyle. Apart from plantar fasciitis there are other causes of heel pain as well.

8 causes of Heel Pain

1.            Plantar fasciitis

2.            Heel spur

3.            Calf strain

4.            Achilles tendonitis

5.            Heel neuritis

6.            Heel bursitis

7.            Due to wearing high heels

8.            Stress fracture of the calcaneus

What are the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?

             Severe pain and swelling over heel

             Numbness or tingling in the heel

             You are unable to walk normally

             You can’t stand on the back of the foot

             Morning Pain in the heel

             Difficulty in walking

Diagnosis

The therapist will ask the patient how much walking and standing the patient does, what type of footwear is worn, and details of his/her medical history. Often this is enough to make a diagnosis.

Physical Examination

On physical examination, patients may walk with their affected foot in an equine position to avoid placing pressure on the painful heel. Palpation of the medial plantar calcaneal region will elicit a sharp, stabbing pain. Passive ankle/first toe dorsiflexion can cause discomfort in the proximal plantar fascia; it can also assess tightness of the Achilles tendon. Other causes of heel pain should be sought if history and physical examination findings are atypical for plantar fasciitis.

PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT

Cryotherapy 15-20min. for reducing pain and swelling.

Ultrasonic therapy

TENS(Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

Plantar fascia stretching

Calf stretches

Ankle strengthening exercises

Advanced Physiotherapy

Myofascial Release

Dry needling

Taping

IASTM

Prevention

Dont’s

Avoid wearing high heels.

Avoid prolonged standing.

Avoid running.

Avoid walking on uneven hard surfaces.

Do not walk bare foot even at home.

Avoid driving for long hours.

Do’s

Do stretch your calves muscle twice daily.

Do wear comfortable shoes with soft and spongy insoles. Use silica gel heel cushion.

Do take rest while prolonged standing or walking.