Physical Therapy for Plantar fasciitis
Are you waking up to severe heel pain as soon as your foot hits the floor? Rolling a frozen water bottle under your foot and hoping tomorrow’s results will be different? Have you spend hundreds of dollars on orthotics that did not help?
Did you know that the soleus, a muscle underneath your gastroc that crosses your ankle joint, can be responsible for referring pain directly to the heel? And that the gastrocnemius can refer pain into the plantar fascia area? Many clinicians are focused on ankle exercises, toe yoga and massage to the bottom of the foot, when in actuality, plantar fasciitis pain commonly results from trigger points in the calf muscles. Let’s see if we can get you relief from this commonly misdiagnosed disorder.
What is Plantar Fascia and Plantar Fasciitis?
The Plantar Fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connective the heel bone to the toes. The plantar fascia acts like a shock-absorbing bowstring, supporting the arch of the foot. When tension and stress on this bowstring become too great, small tears can occur in the fascia.
Affecting approximately 10% of the population at some point in their lives, Plantar Fasciitis is a debilitating condition that affects the bottom of the foot, causing intense heel pain and discomfort. Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common orthopedic complaints, especially among athletes, runners, and individuals who spend a significant amount of time on their feet. This condition is often characterized by stabbing pain near the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning.
It is important to note that in general, all heel pain tends to be diagnosed as plantar fasciitis. However, not all heel pain is due to plantar fascia inflammation. Studies have shown that many cases are actually caused by tight or dysfunctional muscles in the lower leg and foot, developing trigger points that refer pain to the heel. Misdiagnoses are common without proper thorough clinical evaluation, leading to ineffective treatments.
Is there Research to Support Dry Needling for Plantar Fasciitis?
There is a bevy of research to support the positive effects of Dry Needling for Plantar Fasciitis. This research has appeared in:
Physical Therapy Journal: Effectiveness of DN for Plantar Heel Pain, a Randomized Controlled Study
Podiatry Today: Dry Needling Therapy as a Potential Treatment Option for Plantar Fasciitis
What are symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
Sharp heel pain, often more prominent in the AM when getting out of bed
Discomfort in the heel that increases with prolonged periods of sitting
Pain that flares up after activities such as running or walking
Tenderness in the heel or along the bottom of the foot
What Treatments do You Use for Plantar Fasciitis?
Dry Needling
Graston Technique/IASTM
Myofascial Release
Proprioceptive Training
Vibrational Training