More Than Heel Pain: Navigating Through Plantar Fasciitis with MVPT
Do you experience sharp heel pain or burning along the bottom of your foot that is incredibly uncomfortable with your first steps each day? This could be a sign of plantar fasciitis, a common foot complaint. At MVPT, we aim to empower you with knowledge and effective strategies to tackle this condition.
Plantar Fasciitis: What You Need to Know
The plantar fascia, a crucial band of tissue running along the foot’s underside and connecting your heel to the toes, plays a vital role in foot mechanics. Plantar fasciitis arises mainly due to the degeneration of this fascia. It begins as heel discomfort and, as it progresses, often becomes a sharp, stabbing pain. This discomfort is typically most intense upon waking or after prolonged periods of immobility.
Identifying the Causes and Risks of Plantar Fasciitis
This condition can affect many individuals but frequently occurs in those with occupations or hobbies that involve extended periods on their feet, such as athletes, nurses, or manual laborers. The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is acute pain at or near the heel. Often developing gradually, this pain typically affects one foot but can impact both.
Key risk factors include:
- Age, particularly between 40 to 60 years.
- Activities causing excessive heel stress, such as distance running or certain forms of dance.
- Foot issues, including high arches or flat feet.
- Achilles tendon stiffness.
- Excess body weight, which puts additional pressure on the plantar fascia.
These can all contribute to the gradual breakdown of the fascia, resulting in the characteristic pain of plantar fasciitis.
MVPT’s Approach to Treatment
At MVPT, we take a comprehensive, patient-first treatment approach. We begin with a thorough evaluation, which helps us to understand your unique medical history and learn more about your symptoms. Once the evaluation is completed, we will have everything needed to create a customized treatment plan focused on decreasing strength, improving strength, balance, and mobility, and working toward achieving the targeted goals for your care. While your care will be personalized specifically to you, some treatment strategies may include:
- Stretching routines to enhance the flexibility of the Achilles tendon and calf muscles.
- Muscle strengthening exercises focused on the calf and foot.
- Icing the affected area for pain alleviation.
- Recommendations for appropriate footwear or orthotics for optimal foot support.
- Guidance on lifestyle changes to reduce future occurrences.
- Personalized home exercise program to keep you moving at your best even after your care is completed.
Our skilled physical therapists are experts in musculoskeletal health and are dedicated to collaborating with you to achieve your wellness goals.
Start Your Healing Journey
Don’t let plantar fasciitis pain stop you from all the activities you enjoy. At MVPT, we place you at the center of our care, working together with you and your medical care team to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
Complete the form below or call your nearest MVPT location today to schedule your evaluation and begin your journey toward health and wellness. We are committed to your health, offering unmatched service at every phase of your life!
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