Plantar fasciitis treatment exercises — what are the main goals?

The stabbing heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis can make nearly any physical activity excruciating to accomplish. This condition refers to inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick bundle of connective tissue connecting the heel to the forefoot. Common among athletes and people who work physical jobs, plantar fasciitis can be extremely frustrating to live with, particularly if it becomes a recurring issue. 

Fortunately, plantar fasciitis is a condition that can heal on its own in many cases. Additionally, with proper management, patients can lower the risk of redeveloping this injury and be better able to enjoy a normal activity level. One of the cornerstones of treatment for any type of foot pain is physical therapy exercises designed to address the underlying causes of the injury. 

To help you learn more, we’re happy to share the following easy-to-understand guide that provides information on the primary goals of working with a trained therapist for plantar fasciitis relief. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or if you’d like more information. 

Plantar fasciitis treatment exercises with a physical therapist

The first step of starting a physical therapy treatment program for plantar fasciitis is for your therapist to get a better understanding of your condition and lifestyle. This is accomplished with a physical examination, review of your injury and treatment history, and movement tests to assess your biomechanics. 

From there, your therapist can start to develop a treatment program involving manual therapies, stretches and exercises, among other options. Plantar fasciitis exercises are a fundamental part of the therapeutic process and are designed to accomplish the following goals: 

• Address biomechanical issues that contribute to this condition
• Strengthen the foot muscles and surrounding muscles to fix muscle imbalances that contribute to plantar fasciitis
• Improve range of motion in the foot and ankle 

Combined with adequate rest, at-home treatments and exercises that your doctor can provide instruction on, plantar fasciitis exercises can get you the best chance of overcoming this injury and getting back to the activity level you’ve been missing out on. 

Learn more about plantar fasciitis physical therapy programs

Our friendly and caring team at Back in Motion has decades of combined experience in helping people overcome injuries, including plantar fasciitis, with comprehensive physical therapy programs. We’re passionate about personalized care and will work hard to build a treatment plan that’s right-sized for your needs and lifestyle. 

To schedule your initial appointment, contact our team today.