plantar fasciitis - Physical Therapy Articles & Insights

Evidence Does Not Support Utilization Of Surgery Over Physical Therapy For Most Musculoskeletal Conditions

July 20, 2022

The vast majority of musculoskeletal conditions and diagnoses are not life threatening or time sensitive and allow for conservative treatments, including Physical Therapy, to be utilized prior to surgery. In our Boulder Physical Therapy practice we commonly see outcomes consistent with the current research on the utilization of Physical Therapy instead of surgery for common...

Foot and Ankle Injuries

Have Flat Feet? Exercise vs. Orthotics

April 18, 2022

Pes planus, otherwise known as flatfoot, is a common condition experienced by many individuals that is often associated with plantar fasciitis and development of knee and hip pain. Foot orthotics are commonly prescribed as a first line intervention for individuals with pes planus, but the research shows that short foot exercises should be included as...

Foot and Ankle Injuries

No Differences Found Between Custom Or Over The Counter Insoles For Heel Pain

March 10, 2021

Plantar heel pain, including plantar fasciitis and plantar fasciosis, is associated with pain along the heel and arch of the foot worsened with prolonged standing, walking, or running. This diagnosis is also associated with intense pain first thing in the morning or upon standing after prolonged sitting. Researchers report athletes, active, as well as, sedentary...

Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot Atrophy And Weakness Consistently Found Among Patients With Heel Pain

October 15, 2019

Plantar heel pain, including pain along the plantar fascia, is one the most common diagnoses in the foot. Individuals often experience pain with the first step in the morning or after prolonged sitting. Symptoms limit their ability to perform many standing, walking, and recreational activities. Researchers have found minimal inflammatory cells within the plantar fascia...

Foot and Ankle Injuries

Does Manual Therapy Improve Plantar Fasciitis?

April 13, 2018

Plantar fasciitis (fasciosis) is a painful diagnosis limiting a patient’s ability to stand, walk, or run. The -itis of the name is a misnomer because very few cases of plantar heel pain involve an inflammatory process. Instead, a breakdown of soft tissue fibers and cells is noted in the plantar fascia reflecting the sequential stages...

Foot and Ankle Injuries

Importance of Manual Therapy in Treatment of Patients with Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis

July 20, 2017

Manual therapy or the passive movements of joints and tissues has been shown to be effective at reducing short term pain for a number of conditions including heel pain. Interventions including joint mobilization and manipulation are commonly provided to patients suffering from heel pain or plantar fasciitis (fasciosis) in order to restore normal mobility to...

Foot and Ankle Injuries

Strengthening The Core Of The Foot For Plantar Fasciitis

September 8, 2016

In previous posts we have discussed the association between our intrinsic (core) foot strength and foot function during walking and running. The research has identified a link between weakness and atrophy of these muscles and the development of chronic conditions such as heel pain and plantar fasciitis (fasciosis). This atrophy is most pronounced in those...

Exercise Foot and Ankle Injuries heel pain orthotics strengthening

Weakened Foot Strength and Orthotic Use in Patients with Heel Pain

July 8, 2016

In our previous posts we have documented the weakness and atrophy of the foot’s “core” muscles among patients with heel pain. Heel pain is one of the most common foot and ankle diagnoses we see in our Boulder Physical Therapy Practice. This condition is commonly treated with manual therapy and exercises targeting the lower...

athletes Foot and Ankle Injuries heel pain running

Intrinsic Foot Muscle Atrophy and Heel Pain

December 16, 2015

Plantar Fasciitis is a common overuse condition affecting many runners in Boulder. Authors report it is the 3rd most common running related injury and total costs involving plantar fasciitis cost over 375 million dollars per year (Taunton et al. 2002). Much of these costs can be attributed to the chronic nature of the condition reaching...

Exercise Manual Therapy

Heel Pain (plantar fasciitis) and Physical Therapy Treatments

August 21, 2015

Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) Background Plantar fasciitis/fasciosis is the most common cause of heel pain. Patient often complain of pain upon their first steps in the morning, sharp pain under the heel which may spread into the arch of the foot. These symp- toms are often worse on a return to standing or walking after...