A quarter of Americans are coping with a painful foot condition: Plantar fasciitis. Due to inflammation in the area, every day activities such as walking can be difficult. Seeking help is important to be able to handle day-to-day tasks. Learn more about plantar fasciitis, ways to manage the condition, and top ways to incorporate Wheatland physical therapy and all our other locations in your recovery plan.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue that connects the heel of your foot to your toes becomes inflamed. This inflammation can happen due to small tears to the ligament, anywhere in the area, causing the bottom of the foot and/or the heel to be in pain.

This condition can occur due to a variety of reasons including:

• Wearing improper footwear for specific tasks
• Landing on the feet improperly after a jump
• Failure to properly stretch before exercising
• Being on your feet all day without breaks
• High arches or flat feet
• Overweight

The pain associated with plantar fasciitis is can rise in many ways. For some, it’s a sharp pain near the sole of your foot. For others, it may be swelling in the area with a “hot” sensation. A good example of this pain that many can relate to is sharp pain after getting up too fast after sitting or lying for a period of time. When this pain becomes constant, it is best to have it examined for the quality of your foot!

Go-To Ways to Cope

If you feel you may have plantar fasciitis, it is important to see your doctor. They will be able to assess the severity of your individual situation. In addition, there are other things you can do to ease the pain.

1. Make sure you have time in your day where you can be off your feel and allow them to rest, so the swelling reduces
2. Purchase custom shoes or shoe inserts with arch support that will help cushion the area
3. Take anti-inflammatory medications
4. Ice the area

In extreme cases, your doctor may recommend steroid injections that will provide quickly relief. Surgery is also an option once all other methods have been exhausted.

Top Ways to Incorporate Physical Therapy

In addition to your doctor’s treatment recommendations, premier physical therapy will also help alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. How? Through various exercises tailored to your specific situation, your local physical therapist will help you strengthen the muscles in the area.

In addition, they may also recommend a night splint if your ankle or toes are not in their proper position. Taping is also common for quick relief in some instances. They will walk you through each of these steps.

As you are working to find a solution for your plantar fasciitis, North Platte Physical Therapy can help. We treat a variety of orthopedic injuries, including plantar fasciitis, and will help you get on the path to recovery. With locations all over Wyoming and one in Gering, Nebraska, you are sure to find an office near you. Get started and contact us today!