The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes. Fascia is noncontractile (non-muscular) connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot. Fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascial tissue. Most commonly it occurs at the proximal attachment to the calcaneus (heel region) or throughout the arch. Plantar fasciitis can occur slowly and progressively worsen or can result from a singular injury. When inflamed or torn, pain develops and often limits one’s ability to walk and exercise. It is not uncommon to also have heel spurs which may increase the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs form due to the body’s attempt to stabilize the increased tensioning forces at the calcaneal attachment by increasing bony development at the proximal heel.

Plantar fasciitis is a widespread condition that affects people of all ages and activity levels. With human movement walking, running, and impact activity place increased stress on the plantar fascia. Heel pain and limited movement, particularly with the first steps in the morning or with extended standing/walking are the primary symptoms. 

Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:

• Repetitive impact activities
• Pronged standing 
• Increasing activity too quickly
• Arch alignment
• Obesity
• Age (most common in 40-60 year olds)
• Altered movement patterns 
• Previous history of plantar fasciitis
• Immobilization from an unrelated lower leg surgery/injury

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that may be challenging to overcome if not addressed early and is often recurrent throughout one’s lifetime. Early Physical Therapy is particularly helpful in stopping the condition from being progressive. Goals of rehab aim to relieve pain and improve function by incorporating a wide range of treatment options.  These include a combination of stretches, strength exercises, and manual therapy to address both the inflammatory response and the underlying causes of foot pain. As movement experts, the physical therapists at Alpine will assess your movements, flexibility and strength and design a program that is tailored to your specific presentation whether acute or chronic and focus on long term strategies to reduce risk of recurrence. We specialize in hands on treatment, exercise prescription and orthotic/shoe wear recommendations or splint use when indicated. Our one on one model and consistent care is particularly beneficial when treating plantar fasciitis.

If you have foot pain, consider scheduling an appointment with Alpine Physical Therapy. The sooner we evaluate your foot, the sooner you can begin to feel better due to improved mobility and strength. Early intervention results in fewer visits to the PT and a speedier recovery. Don’t let foot pain keep you from doing the activities you love. A referral is not required to receive a PT evaluation in Oregon. However, if subsequent care is needed, we will work with you to get any necessary referrals for future appointments. 

At Alpine, our PTs come from various backgrounds and specialties. If you want to say goodbye to pain caused by plantar fasciitis and reduce the recurrence risk, look no further. We have a team of highly skilled physical therapists on the east and west sides of Bend who would love to assist you in your recovery.