Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the tissue located at the bottom of the foot. The tissue that becomes inflamed for those with this condition is called the plantar fascia. Plantar fasciitis typically results in sharp pain in the heel, and for most people, symptoms are the worst in the morning.
The condition is fairly common. It affects about 10% of people in the U.S. It can be treated with physical therapy, shoe orthotics, injectable steroids and, in extreme cases, even surgery.
Some people with plantar fasciitis can also experience weakness and pain in their knees over time if they neglect to find treatment for their condition. It can also lead to ankle, hip and back pain as a result. Research shows that 90% of cases of early plantar fasciitis can be easily remedied, but when left untreated for extended periods of time it can cause painful complications that may be harder to treat. This is because your ligaments, joints and tissue have to make up for the decreased functionality in the feet, which can cause significant strain.
How can physical therapy help treat plantar fasciitis that's causing knee pain?
- Improve gait and weight distribution ” Physical therapy can help patients improve their gait if it has become altered from compensating for pain when walking. It can also help retrain patients to properly distribute their weight when walking to minimize the pain that may be occurring in the knees from improper technique.
- Increase flexibility ” Physical therapists can work with a patient to improve their flexibility in their ankles and feet so that they can increase their range of motion when walking or during other movements. Increased flexibility in the feet and ankles can ultimately reduce knee pain from plantar fasciitis because it allows for full use of the muscles surrounding these areas.
- Strengthen surrounding muscles ” Strengthening the muscles surrounding the joints, ligaments, tendons and fascia can prevent future flare-ups. The muscles support these regions of the body and when in a weakened state, pain and injury are more likely to occur.
Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT for plantar fasciitis causing knee pain
At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we're proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that's close to you and that can help you address plantar fasciitis that is causing you to experience pain in your knees too.
Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform.
Contact our team today so we can help you find the most effective physical therapy services for your injury or condition.
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