Plantar Fasciitis and Workplace Accommodations

Individuals who engage in occupations that require prolonged standing or walking may face an increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis. This is primarily attributed to the excessive strain placed on the muscles and ligaments that support the foot. As such, it is crucial for these individuals to take preventative measures in order to avoid this painful condition.

Suffering from chronic back pain can severely impact your daily life and hinder your ability to fulfill your work responsibilities. The good news is that there are possible solutions within the workplace that can help minimize your discomfort and ensure that you can continue to work efficiently.

1. Rest

Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent condition that can be highly debilitating. It is a leading cause of foot pain and can limit one’s mobility significantly. Individuals affected by plantar fasciitis commonly report intense pain in the heel area, which can extend along the arch of the foot, towards the ankle, and even affecting the calf muscles.

Rest is one of the key steps patients can take to help recover from plantar fasciitis, as it allows ligaments to strengthen while simultaneously decreasing inflammation – both essential steps in effective healing.

If you are experiencing chronic heel pain and are finding it hard to work, disability benefits may be available from either Social Security Administration or Department of Veterans Affairs. Documenting both your treatment process and level of pain experienced could make a difference for future disability claims.

2. Ice

Plantar fasciitis is an uncomfortable condition caused by repetitive strain on the plantar fascia – the tissue running from your heel to your toes – often seen among runners or those involved in repetitive activities such as sitting.

Obesity and other risk factors can increase the chances of Plantar Fasciitis. It’s a leading cause of foot pain among factory workers, teachers and others whose careers require prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces.

Ice therapy is an essential treatment option for Plantar Fasciitis as it constricts blood vessels to reduce swelling and inflammation-related pain. You can apply ice to your foot via bag of ice, cold pack or bath and use it several times each day for 20 minutes at a time for best results.

3. Moist Heat

Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which inflammation of a thick band of tissue connects your heel bone to your toe bones along the bottom of your foot and causes intense discomfort in its wake.

Heat therapy is one of the best natural ways to relieve inflammation and pain, as it dilates blood vessels to bring more blood directly to your foot for healing purposes.

4. Orthotics

Plantar Fasciitis patients frequently find relief in foot orthotics for the discomfort associated with their medical condition. Foot orthotics re-align and support the arch, helping reduce strain on the plantar fascia ligament.

Custom orthotics may be an ideal choice for individuals suffering from this condition. When used alongside other conservative remedies such as rest, ice and stretching they should provide optimal treatment results.

Studies demonstrate orthotics provide short-term pain relief and improved function to adults suffering from acute plantar fasciitis when combined with conventional therapies such as NSAIDs, stretching exercises, and lifestyle modifications. Prefabricated orthotics may offer comparable advantages at less expense than custom-fitted models.

5. Physical Therapy

One in 10 Americans experience pain along the bottoms of their feet due to plantar fasciitis. Physical therapy can help alleviate discomfort while improving walking function – making this condition more manageable.

Physical Therapists evaluate how your gait impacts symptoms, then provide stretching and strengthening exercises to increase ankle flexibility and plantar fascia flexibility. Heat or ice treatments may be applied to reduce inflammation; medication may be delivered subdermally (iontophoresis); or tape may provide short-term relief from foot pain.

Physical therapists can assess and treat tightness in Achilles tendon and calf muscles. Tightness in these areas can increase strain on plantar fascia, leading to chronic conditions.