Plantar fasciitis is a condition causing heel pain. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the ball of the foot; it supports the arch of the foot and can become inflamed or tear. The condition develops when repeated weight bearing activities put a strain on the plantar fascia. People who have plantar fasciitis also may have heel spurs, a bony growth that forms on the heel bone. It is caused by prolonged standing (or other weight bearing activity), sudden increase in the amount or intensity of an activity such as running, decreased calf flexibility, increased body weight, and/or flat foot or a pronated foot. It leads to heel pain especially in the morning when stepping out of bed and taking the first steps of the day. Heel pain that increases with prolonged standing or when first standing after sitting for a while, heel pain with climbing stairs and when walking bare foot or in shoes with poor support.
The Physical Therapists at Apple Physical Therapy will design a personalized treatment plan specific to you and your injury that will include range of motion, stretching and strengthening exercises to improve mobility and strength in your calf, foot, ankle and leg to allow you to return to normal daily activity. We will include balance training exercises to improve ankle stability and leg strength. We will include manual therapy techniques such as massage to the calf and plantar fascia and stretching of the surrounding muscles to restore normal motion of the leg and to facilitate healing. If indicated we will include the use of the Graston Technique, instrument assisted massage to help break down scar tissue and muscular restrictions. If necessary, your PT may elect to use modalities such as ice, heat, and/or ultrasound to decrease swelling, pain and ready the body for exercise.
With convenient locations in both Cherry Hill NJ and Marlton NJ, Apple Physical Therapy proudly serves such areas as Cherry Hill, Marlton, Medford, Voorhees, Mount Laurel, Maple Shade, Berlin, Moorestown and all of South Jersey’s Camden and Burlington counties. If you are looking for a Physical Therapist in the Cherry Hill area, we welcome you to our practice. Meet our team and schedule your appointment with us today!