There are several different physical therapy treatments available for plantar fasciitis, depending on the extent of the condition. These treatments aim to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Options include stretches specifically designed for plantar fasciitis, kinesis-tapping techniques, and the use of Low-Dye Taping. Another option to consider is Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can help reduce pain and inflammation. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific situation.
Stretching
Plantar fasciitis stretching exercises are an effective method to alleviate the discomfort and inflammation associated with this condition. To further address the issue, physical therapy is a beneficial treatment option. In conjunction with an established exercise regimen, a podiatrist may suggest wearing supportive footwear that aids in relieving plantar fasciitis symptoms.
A great way to stretch your foot is by sitting on a chair and curling your toes. This simple yet effective exercise can be done multiple times a day to provide relief and improve foot flexibility.
Another simple stretch is to massage the ball of your foot. You can use a tennis ball or a frozen water bottle. You can also place a towel under your arches.
Performing plantar fasciitis stretching exercises in combination with strengthening exercises can help strengthen the foot and ankle, which in turn reduces the stress on the fascia. In addition, these exercises will improve your overall health.
Kinesis-Taping
Having a physical therapist is very important for people suffering from plantar fasciitis. Your PT can assess your condition, diagnose the cause of your pain and help you find the best treatment. They may suggest kinesis-taping as part of your treatment.
Taping is a non-invasive procedure that aims to correct poor biomechanics of the foot. It can improve functional mobility and decrease swelling. It also supports the supporting muscles. It can be used in conjunction with other therapy methods.
Kinesio tape was developed in 1973 by Dr. Kenzo Kase. It is a latex-free cotton fiber tape that has an acrylic heat-activated backing. It is designed to approximate the weight of the skin. Its stretchability makes it possible to adjust muscle activity and contraction timing.
It is used in rehabilitative settings, but there aren’t a lot of studies about its effectiveness in treating plantar fasciitis. One study suggests that taping reduces pain and may increase circulation.
Low-Dye Taping
Using Low-Dye Taping as part of physical therapy for plantar fasciitis can help reduce pain. This technique is an offloading method that offloads the foot, ankle, and heel joints.
The use of Low-Dye taping for plantar fasciitis has been shown to decrease pain and improve functional abilities. It is an inexpensive short-term treatment for plantar heel pain.
One study found that Low-Dye taping reduced peak plantar pressure and decreased first-step pain. This effect was statistically significant. It is unclear whether it was due to increased pronation or the use of tape.
The study used participants randomly allocated to low-Dye taping and sham ultrasound. Using the VAS, a participant’s pain was measured at each step. A sham intervention did not involve taping.
Low-Dye taping was applied three times a week for six weeks. The technique involves wrapping the tape around the heel, and then horizontally tracking to the inside of the foot.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy for plantar fasciitis may help to alleviate the pain and inflammation of this condition. Athletes who are susceptible to this condition should consult their physician to find a treatment plan that is right for them.
The first step in treatment is to rest the foot. Athletes are prone to this condition because their activity causes microtrauma to the plantar fascia. During rest, the foot will heal.
Stretching exercises are also effective. Various stretching techniques are used, such as wall stretches, curb stretches, and stair stretches. Increasing flexibility of the calf muscles is important.
In some cases, custom orthotic devices are recommended. These devices are designed to correct structural abnormalities that lead to plantar fasciitis.
Patients can also receive corticosteroid injections. This is a very powerful anti-inflammatory medicine. It is injected into the skin of the arch, and can relieve pain. However, multiple steroid injections can weaken the ligament of the plantar fascia. This can result in chronic pain.
Cost
Depending on your insurance plan, the cost of physical therapy for plantar fasciitis may be less than what you might expect. Most health insurance plans cover the costs of treatments for plantar fasciitis, including X-rays and surgery.
The cost of physical therapy can depend on the type of therapy you need, and on the number of sessions you need. You can also save money by staying in-network with your insurance provider. You should check with your insurance provider to determine which providers are in-network before scheduling a physical therapy session.
You can also find discounts on services from many hospitals and doctors. If you have health savings account (HSA) funds, you can use these to cover co-pays and deductibles.
The cost of missed work is hard to quantify, but it may range from $10 per day for a low-paying job to hundreds of dollars for a higher-paying one. However, a study published in 2010 found that 5 million Americans were undergoing heel pain treatment that year.
