Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Strategies
By Dr. Gary Parker, DPT – Serving Greene, Whitney Point, and Sidney, NY
If you’ve ever felt a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel—especially during your first few steps in the morning—you’re not alone. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, and it's something we see frequently in our physical therapy clinics across Greene, Whitney Point, and Sidney.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel to your toes—becomes irritated or inflamed. This condition can affect anyone, but it’s especially common in runners, people who are on their feet all day, and individuals with poor foot mechanics.
What Causes It?
Several factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis:
Overuse or Repetitive Stress: Frequent running or walking, particularly on hard surfaces.
Foot Structure: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns that affect weight distribution.
Improper Footwear: Shoes that lack arch support or adequate cushioning.
Tight Calf Muscles or Achilles Tendons: These can increase strain on the plantar fascia.
Weight Gain: Extra pounds add pressure on the feet and can increase stress on the fascia.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The hallmark symptom is sharp heel pain, especially when:
Getting out of bed in the morning.
Standing after sitting for long periods.
After (not during) prolonged activity.
The pain typically lessens as you move around but may return after extended standing or physical activity.
Effective Treatment Options
The good news? Most cases of plantar fasciitis respond well to conservative treatment. Here are some of the approaches we use at our physical therapy offices:
1. Manual Therapy and Stretching
Targeted manual therapy and stretching exercises help release tension in the fascia and surrounding structures. We also focus on calf and Achilles tendon flexibility.
2. Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening the foot’s intrinsic muscles and lower leg can improve arch support and reduce strain on the fascia.
3. Custom Orthotics and Footwear Guidance
Supportive shoes and custom orthotics help correct biomechanical issues and prevent recurrence.
4. Modalities for Pain Relief
We use techniques like ultrasound, ice therapy, or electrical stimulation to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
5. Education and Activity Modification
Teaching patients how to modify activities and avoid aggravating movements is key to long-term relief.
Why It Matters
Ignoring plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic pain and altered movement patterns, which may cause issues in the knees, hips, or back over time. Addressing it early means faster recovery and less disruption to your daily life.
Whether you're an avid runner, a retail worker on your feet all day, or simply someone tired of hobbling out of bed each morning, physical therapy can help you heal and stay active—without surgery or long-term medication use.
Need Relief from Heel Pain?
Dr. Gary Parker and our skilled team of physical therapists are here to help. With clinics in Greene, Whitney Point, and Sidney, we offer personalized treatment plans to get you back on your feet—literally.
📞 Call us today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward pain-free living. [607-656-4464]