Plantar Fasciitis is the most common source of foot pain treated in healthcare and affect approximately 2 million people in the United States each year. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue on the bottom of our feet. The fascia connects our heel to the front of our foot and helps maintain the arch in our feet. Plantar Fasciitis involves the thickening and inflammation of the fascia. This leads to pain on the inside of the heel and is especially prevalent upon the first steps in the morning or taking steps after a period of inactivity. This develops as a result of limited ability to move the foot in an upward direction due to calf tightness, obesity, excessive running, or having high arches. Plantar fasciitis tends to be a chronic condition and most individuals have had symptoms for at least a year before seeking treatment. Physical therapy can have great results when treating plantar fasciitis. In physical therapy we work to loosen the plantar fascia and we can do this via dry needling, soft tissue massage, and stretching. We also work to release calf tightness, improve mobility of the foot, and work on strengthening of the leg so the symptoms are less likely to return. Other methods of treatment are also indicated in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. These include orthotics and night splints and we can review these in physical therapy. Treatment for plantar fasciitis tends to get excellent results in physical therapy. Please see photos below for examples of how we treat plantar fasciitis in our clinic. If you would like to schedule an appointment please reach out to us.