Ouch my foot really hurts first thing in the morning

What is plantarfaciitis?

Plantarfasciitis is the third most common injury in runners and approximately 10% of people have plantarfasciitis at some point during their lifetime. It is a pain in the heel and underside of the foot. The plantarfascia itself is a tough band of fibrous tissue that extends from the heel bone to the toes. It supports the arch of your foot and takes a lot of load during walking and running. Plantarfaciitis is an overuse injury to the fascial sheet on the sole of the foot.

Cause of Plantarfaciitis

• When there is an increased load placed on the plantarfascia by running, walking, playing tennis or by a patient’s biomechanics.
• Tight calf muscles
• Poor footwear
• Poor glutes control
• Calf muscle weakness

What are the symptoms of Plantarfaciitis?

 People with plantarfaciitis may have a number of symptoms including:

• Pain on the bottom of your foot, sometimes going into your heel.
• Usually the first few steps in the morning are painful but this gradually settles as you continue walking.
• Walking barefoot, on your toes, going up stairs and running all tend to aggravate the pain.

Here is a testimonial from one of our clients who had plantarfaciitis:

“I completed my first Ironman 70.3 with the help of Natalie. Putting up with symptoms of plantarfasciitis for months before letting it get so bad that I couldn’t walk without limping or run without experiencing constant pain. In July I finally went to see Natalie something I should have done back in December. I actually didn’t expect to run the 13.1 miles yesterday pain free but I did and also pain free after. I really can’t thank Natalie enough.” Mrs. A

We have seen a lot of patients suffering from plantarfaciitis in our private physiotherapy clinics in Havant and Rowlands Castle recently.

Treatments for plantarfaciitis

There are lots of different treatment options from taping, to sports massage to release of tight calf muscles and plantarfascia, ankle joint mobilisation, strengthening exercises, stretches, acupuncture and ultrasound. Please be aware of your body and take advice from your GP before exercising or send an email to (enquiries@physio-logical.net) for advice and guidance.

Exercise for Plantarfaciitis

Heel Raise

Every second day for three months. Every heel-rise consisted of a three second concentric phase (going up) and a three second eccentric phase (coming down) with a 2 second isometric phase (pause at the top of the exercise). The high-load strength training was slowly progressed throughout the trial as previously reported by Kongsgaard et al. 12 repetition maximum (RM) for three sets. After two weeks, they increased the load by using a backpack with books and reduced the number of repetitions to 10RM, simultaneously increasing the number of sets to four. After four weeks, they were instructed to perform 8RM and perform five sets. They were instructed to keep adding books to the backpack as they became stronger. A key clinical point is that the calf-raises need to be done slowly.

 

Plantar Fascia Stretch

Hold the stretch for 10 seconds, repeat 10 times, at least 3 x day Do this exercise before taking your first step in the morning, and before standing after prolonged sitting

 

Frozen Can Roll

Roll your bare injured foot back and forth from your heel to your mind-arch over a frozen can or bottle. Repeat for 3-5 minutes. This exercise is particular helpful if done first thing in the morning or at the end of the day

If any of the above sounds familiar or if you suffer from plantarfaciitis then we can help you here at Physio-logical in Havant and Rowlands Castle. We all regularly see patients with a wide range of foot and heel pain symptoms. Call our clinic today on 07835 712306 to find out more about how our team of experienced Physiotherapists and soft tissue therapist can help. Alternatively you can get in contact with us via enquiries@physio-logical.net or book online.