Do you experience pain in your feet, particularly in the morning when you first step out of bed?
Sometimes it can be an annoyance or very excruciating but tends to get better as the day progresses. You likely are suffering from Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar Fasciitis is a foot condition that occurs when you strain the tissue in your foot called plantar fascia which is a thick tissue that supports the arch of your foot.
Plantar Fasciitis tends to develop in individuals who are on their feet for many hours of the day. If you work on a job that requires you to stand for long periods of time or an athlete who is a runner or jumps consistently in sports, you are much more susceptible.
Other signs and symptoms in which you may experience pain are when you stand up after sitting for a long period of time, climbing stairs, walking in shoes that have poor foot support, and walking barefoot.
Should you experience these symptoms, you should contact your local physical therapist who will evaluate your symptoms and provide treatment to relieve pain. Assessment from the physical therapist will be helpful in assessing your walking pattern, training how you walk, providing stretching and strengthening exercises, and also suggesting orthotics or inserts in your shoes.
5 things you should do to manage plantar fasciitis in conjunction with physical therapy:
• Stretch your feet before and after walking and running
• Choose shoes that provide good arch support
• Replace your shoes often before the bottoms wear out
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Be mindful of the surface you are standing on.
Don’t let Plantar Fasciitis slow you down! See your Physical Therapist today!
Dr. Katrina Banks, PT DPT, CCI, CSRS, LSVT-BIG, NCS
Board Certified Neurologic Specialist
Owner/Physical Therapist at Neurologic Optimal Wellness Physical Therapy