Are you searching for plantar fasciitis treatment in Hanford that is long-lasting…more than the temporary relief you get from medication?

In this blog post, we will discuss the most recent clinical research for conservative and natural care for plantar fasciitis and shed light on the benefits of physical therapist-directed care.

We are Experts at Providing Effective Treatment for Plantar Heel Pain (pain on the bottom of your foot near your heel)

If you’re residing in Hanford, California, and seeking effective solutions for your plantar fasciitis, we can help. Our expert physical therapy team is here to provide you with treatment based on the current best science…plantar fasciitis treatment that can alleviate your pain and help you regain mobility. 

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis and Its Impact – What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. 

This condition often leads to stabbing pain in the heel, which can worsen with prolonged standing, walking, or running. 

It affects a significant portion of the population, including athletes and individuals with certain risk factors such as obesity or wearing improper footwear.

The Importance of Physical Therapist-Directed Care – Personalized Assessment and Treatment are Important

Seeing one of our physical therapist at our Hanford clinic for plantar fasciitis treatment is highly recommended, based on the most up-to-date clinical research. Consider this recent publication Level 1 research summary:

Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values

 “The article is a guide of updated best practices for the evaluation and treatment of plantar heel pain (PHP), and is based on a systematic review, expert interviews, and a patient survey.

The review considered randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating any intervention for people with PHP, with trials having a sample size greater than 38 being considered for proof of efficacy. 

This study included 4351 participants from 51 eligible trials, with 9 RCTs being suitable to determine the proof of efficacy for 10 interventions.

The results showed good agreement between the systematic review findings and interviews of healthcare providers that regularly treat plantar fasciitis. The effectiveness of taping and plantar fascia stretching for reducing first-step pain was identified as an acceptable treatment in the short term. 

The study suggests combining these interventions with education and footwear advice as the primary self-management approach.

Additional Treatments May Also be Helpful

For patients who do not show optimal improvement, the research recommends adding additional treatments such as focused shockwave for first-step pain in the short-term, medium-term, and long-term, and radial shockwave for first-step pain in the short and long term. The study also found good agreement to using custom foot orthoses for general pain in the short and medium term.

In conclusion, the best practice based on this mixed-methods study suggests that the core treatment for people with PHP should include taping, stretching, and individualized education. If patients do not optimally improve, they may be offered shockwave therapy, followed by custom orthoses ​1“

Evidence-Based Treatment Techniques for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Should Be What You are Looking For!

Our physical therapists are experts in musculoskeletal conditions and can provide a thorough assessment of your condition. They will evaluate your:

• Foot mechanics,
• Gait (walking patterns),
• Strength & flexibility, and
• Range of motion

Based on the evaluation results, we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. By addressing the underlying causes of plantar fasciitis, physical therapists can target the root of the problem and provide effective solutions.

Your plantar fasciitis treatment plan may include some or all of the following:

1. Manual Therapy: Skilled hands-on techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization, can help reduce pain, improve tissue flexibility, and enhance overall foot function.
2. Therapeutic Exercises: Physical therapists will guide you through a series of exercises to stretch and strengthen the plantar fascia and surrounding muscles. These exercises can promote healing, improve flexibility, and restore proper foot mechanics.
3. Modalities: Additional treatments such as taping/strapping, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or laser therapy may be used to complement the therapeutic plan and expedite the healing process.

The Benefits of Physical Therapist-Directed Care-Non-Invasive Approach 

Physical therapist-directed treatments prioritize non-invasive (we don’t penetrate the skin with needles or drugs), natural approaches to alleviate plantar fasciitis symptoms. By emphasizing conservative interventions, we aim to avoid unnecessary surgeries and medications, reducing the risk of complications and side effects.

Long-Term Recovery and Prevention

One of the major advantages of our physical therapist-directed care is its focus on long-term recovery and prevention. Education on proper footwear, activity modification, and self-management strategies, physical therapists empower patients to take control of their condition and prevent future flare-ups.

It’s Important to Look at More Than Just the Foot & Ankle

Our physical therapists consider the entire kinetic chain when treating plantar fasciitis. They assess factors such as posture, lower limb alignment, and core stability to identify any contributing factors that may be exacerbating your symptoms. 

By addressing these factors, physical therapists help you achieve optimal foot function and overall musculoskeletal health.

Call Us Today to Learn More & Get Started – Contact Us at (559) 582-1027

If you’re in the Hanford area and seeking effective plantar fasciitis treatment, look no further than physical therapist-directed care. By providing personalized assessment, evidence-based treatments, and a holistic approach to rehabilitation, physical therapists can help you overcome the challenges of plantar fasciitis and regain pain-free mobility. Don’t let plantar fasciitis hold you back—take the first step towards recovery by consulting a physical therapist today!

The way that your feet connect with the ground has a major impact on how you walk or run and if you’ll experience pain when doing so. The feet are the foundation when walking or running, and if they strike the ground incorrectly during these activities, it can start a chain reaction that leads to problems elsewhere in the body. To address potential problems like foot and ankle pain, orthotics may be recommended to alter the way your foot contacts the ground and correct any imbalances that might be interfering with your stride.

Foot orthotics are molded pieces of rubber, leather, plastic, or synthetic materials that can be inserted into many types of shoes and then worn normally. They are available in various lengths, sizes, and styles, and range from over-the-counter to fully customizable, giving individuals a wide range of options to choose from. The main purpose of orthotics is to support and stabilize the feet by correcting any imbalances in each foot and more evenly distributing one’s bodyweight.

Orthotics Can Benefit Many that are in Pain

Orthotics are usually prescribed for people who are already suffering from foot and/or leg pain, but they may also be recommended to prevent problems from occurring down the line. Two of the more common conditions addressed with orthotics are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis:

• Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia ligament—which connects the back of the heel to the front of the toes—becomes inflamed or irritated, leading to a stabbing or jabbing pain over the arch and under the heel of the foot
• Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the back of the heel and allows you to stand on your toes when walking, running, or jumping; this leads to pain, stiffness, and/or swelling at the back of the heel or directly above it

For some patients, orthotics can help to address issues with foot shape—like flat feet or high arches—that may be responsible for plantar fasciitis and other foot-related issues. Orthotics may also be recommended for conditions like shin splints, knee pain, back pain, bunions, hammertoe, and calluses, as well as for individuals who are older, overweight, or have diabetes.

Expert advice on orthotics from our physical therapists
If you’re thinking about giving orthotics a try, the physical therapists at Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy can help you navigate this process. One of the biggest challenges patients face is choosing the right type of orthotic for their foot type, since there is an abundance of options to choose from. But our physical therapists can evaluate your foot type, gait, and whether you’re dealing with any foot or heel pain, and then recommend the best type of orthotic, which are usually categorized into the following three groups:

• Heel cups
  • The smallest and simplest type of orthotic
  • Can be easily inserted into most types of shoes
  • Made of gel, silicone, or plastic
  • Can alleviate pain from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and other conditions by absorbing shock and reducing tension on painful structures
• Orthotic insoles
  • Provide arch support and cushioning for some or all of the foot
  • Ideal for correcting foot shape issues like flat feet or high arches, which may be contributing to heel pain
  • Available in full length, 2/3 length, or 1/2 length sizes
  • Can be customized or purchased over the counter
  • Worn during the day
• Night splints
  • Treat heel pain related to plantar fasciitis throughout the night
  • Hold the foot and toes back so the calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia are kept slightly stretched
  • Simple and effective way to alleviate heel pain that strikes in the morning with the first steps of the day
  • Available in a boot style cast, sleep supports, and sock style supports

For additional guidance on selecting the right foot orthotic, contact:

Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy today at 559-733-2478 (Visalia) or 559-582-1027 (Hanford) to schedule an appointment.

Achilles Tendinitis (AKA Achilles Tendinosis) Is A Common Injury That Responds Well To Physical Therapy

If you’re searching for Achilles tendinitis treatment in Visalia, we can help.  Conservative physical therapy care including laser therapy treatment, and the appropriate stretching and loading of the healing tendon can reduce your pain.

The Achilles tendon sees a lot of action. This thick band of tissue—which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone—allows you to point and push off your toes, so it’s utilized every time you walk, run, jump, and get on your tip toes. These types of activities are part of everyday life and they keep the Achilles tendon busy, which is one of the main reasons why it’s also vulnerable to injury.

Achilles Tendinopathy is Common – Here’s Why

As the largest and strongest tendon in the body, the Achilles tendon can withstand loads of up to 2,000 pounds when running. This durability is necessary because of how frequently the tendon is used, but as with every other structure of the body, it has limits. When pushed too far, one of the most likely results is Achilles tendinitis.

Achilles tendinitis is a common injury that is seen most frequently in runners and other athletes. For runners, the condition usually stems from doing lots of speed training or uphill running, or after suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of runs without taking enough time off to recover. This constant strain can cause small micro-tears in the Achilles tendon and lead to inflammation, which is the telltale sign of tendinitis.

Patients with Achilles tendinitis usually notice heel pain that comes on gradually as a mild ache in the back of the leg or above the heel after a run, which may get worse after long runs, sprinting, or climbing stairs. Tenderness and soreness may also occur, particularly in the morning. As a result, running and performing many daily activities often becomes more difficult due to these symptoms.

Our Physical therapists can effectively address Achilles Tendinitis (acute injury) Tendinosis (chronic problem) based on the current best clinical evidence

For patients affected by Achilles tendinitis, physical therapy is generally regarded as the best available treatment to help them recover. Physical therapists are movement experts trained to identify any underlying issues, behaviors, or habits that are contributing to each patient’s symptoms. From there, therapists create personalized treatment programs that address these limitations and teach patients how to make the necessary changes to avoid future problems. A physical therapy program for Achilles tendinitis will typically consist of the following:

• Calf-strengthening exercises: according to recent research and the latest guidelines, a combination of eccentric and concentric strengthening exercises are effective for treating Achilles tendinitis, and both are frequently used in treatment programs
  • “Concentric” means a muscle shortens while doing work, while “eccentric” is the opposite of this, in which a muscle lengthens; heel drops and heel raises are great example that involves both types, as standing up on your tiptoes is concentric because it shortens the calf muscle, while lowering yourself down from tiptoes is an eccentric exercise because it lengthens the calf muscle
• Manual therapy: these are hands-on techniques administered by the physical therapist that include massage, manipulation, and mobilization, which improve mobility and function, and alleviate symptoms
• Stretching exercises: the physical therapist will usually guide the patient on how to stretch tight muscles in order to improve flexibility and range of motion; patients, in turn, can perform these exercises on their own at home
• Pain-relieving modalities: ice, heat, ultrasound, and other passive interventions may also be used to reduce pain and inflammation

So if you’re dealing with any painful symptoms that sound like Achilles tendinitis, you may want to consider seeing a physical therapist.

Call us today to learn more about what we can do for you or to schedule an appointment for your first visit.

Searching for Foot and Ankle Treatment in Visalia or Hanford?

Physical Therapy Is The Fastest Way To Regain Your Abilities After A Foot Or Ankle Injury

Regardless of your activity level, you need your feet and ankles to work properly in order to get around. Perhaps even more so than the hips and knees, these body parts are essentially the vehicles that allow us to move and navigate the world around us.

This is why any injury to this region of the body can be seriously detrimental, as experiencing pain with each step can interfere with doing the things you love or possibly drain your motivation to engage even in basic activities. There are several injuries and conditions that can develop in the foot or ankle, and each one has the potential to slow you down. But they have something else in common as well: all of these injuries can be effectively treated with a comprehensive course of physical therapy.

Physical therapists are movement experts that guide patients through a variety of active and passive interventions that will go on to alleviate pain and help patients regain their abilities. Below, we offer a brief summary of some of the more common foot and ankle injuries and highlight key components of a typical physical therapy program for each.

Ankle Sprain & Treatment

• An ankle sprain occurs any time the foot twists or rolls beyond its normal range of motion; in most cases, this happens when a player lands on another player’s foot wrong or twists their ankle when making a cutting motion in sports
• A sprain means that one of the ligaments in the ankle—which connect bones to one another—has stretched too far or was torn from this force
• Physical therapy highlights
  • RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
  • Gentle stretching exercises
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Sport-specific training (when applicable)
  • Ankle bracing

Plantar Fasciitis & Treatment

• The plantar fascia is a flat band of tissue that connects your heel bone to the toes and supports the arch of your foot
• Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of this structure, and it typically results from training too hard or wearing unsupportive shoes
• The main symptom is a sharp, stabbing pain at the base of the heel that’s worst during the first steps of the morning
• Physical therapy highlights
  • Gait assessment
  • Stretching and strengthening exercises
  • Foot taping, shoe orthotics, and supportive footwear
  • Gait training

Achilles Tendinitis, Tendinosis, Tendinopathy & Treatment

• The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscle to the back of the heel and is used when you walk, run, and jump
• Achilles tendinitis occurs when this tendon gradually becomes inflamed, usually after an individual makes sudden changes to their training regimen
• Symptoms include an ache in the back of the leg or above the heel that is painful after waking up and when going up or down stairs
• Physical therapy highlights
  • Calf-strengthening exercises
  • Stretching exercises
  • Manual (hands-on) therapy
  • Pain-relieving modalities

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• The tarsal tunnel is a structure made up of bone and ligament tissue on the inside of the ankle; tendons, blood vessels, and the posterior tibial nerve run through it to serve the foot
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when this nerve is compressed as a result of excessive stress on the foot and ankle
• Symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and swelling in the ankle and foot
• Physical therapy highlights
  • Nerve gliding activities
  • Muscle strengthening exercises
  • Balance and coordination activities
  • Orthotics, taping, and bracing

Jones Fracture

• A Jones fracture is a break of the fifth metatarsal, which is the bone that connects your pinky toe to the rest of your foot
• It results from a forceful blow to the bottom or outside of the foot, usually from landing from a jump improperly
• Symptoms include pain, swelling, and discoloration on the outside of the foot, and difficulty walking or bearing weight
• Physical therapy highlights
  • Treatment can only begin after the fracture has healed (6-8 weeks)
  • RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
  • Balance exercises
  • Range of motion and strengthening exercises
  • Gait training

Sever’s Disease

• This overuse injury results from inflammation of growth plates in the heels of young athletes, usually during growth spurts, because the heel bone grows faster than the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments
• Sever’s disease is more common in boys than girls
• Symptoms include swelling and redness in the heel, as well as discomfort and difficulty walking
• Physical therapy highlights
  • Activity modification
  • Manual (hands-on) therapy
  • Posture and functional training
  • Gentle calf stretching exercises
  • Passive modalities (eg, ice and electrical stimulation)

Any of these conditions has the potential to throw your routine out of synch and cause you disability and distress, but we can help.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment for any foot or ankle pain you may be dealing with, and read our next blog if you’re interested in getting a closer look at Achilles tendinitis.

 

The lower the location of a joint in the body, the more weight it’s responsible for supporting.  The ankles, then, have the tall task of supporting the entire body, and this is one of the main reasons they are injured so frequently.  Ankle sprains are the most common injury seen in the athletic population, and they have the power to throw a wrench in the spokes of any active person’s training.  They can also lead to a long-term cycle of re-injury, but all this can be avoided with a physical therapy program.

If you play sports, there’s a fairly strong chance you will sprain your ankle at some point.  Ankle sprains account for up to 45% of all sports injuries, and approximately 25,000 people sprain their ankle every day in the U.S.  The sport you play will also affect your odds, as the majority of sprains (41%) occur in basketball, followed by football and then soccer.  This mainly has to do with the movements that are common in each sport, and lots of jumping and cutting significantly increases the risk for ankle sprains.

Ankle sprains involve the ligaments of the ankle joint, which are flexible bands of tissue that connect one bone to another.  Ligaments are elastic and can be stretched to a certain length and then return to their original position, but they have a limit.  When any of the ligaments in the ankle is stretched beyond its maximum range of motion, damage will occur and result in an ankle sprain.  Symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the sprain, but usually include some—or all—of the following:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Stiffness
• Instability

If you do experience an ankle sprain, the prognosis is usually quite good, and most people can get back to sports or training within about 4-6 weeks; however, the risk of a condition called chronic ankle instability (CAI) increases significantly after the first sprain.  This is why proper treatment from a physical therapist is necessary for a full recovery and to reduce your chances of experiencing another ankle sprain in the future.  Treatment programs are always individualized, but typically consist of RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation), stretching and strengthening exercises, and balance and functional training.

Physical therapy is recommended for both initial ankle sprains and for patients that continue to sprain their ankles repeatedly, and research has shown that it’s effective in both cases.  The effectiveness of physical therapy and exercises was supported in a recent review of studies that concluded as follows:

For the treatment of acute ankle sprain, there is strong evidence for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and early mobilization, with moderate evidence supporting exercise and manual therapy techniques, for pain, swelling and function. Exercise therapy and bracing are supported in the prevention of CAI.

While it might sound like a single ankle sprain means a long-term series of problems, this is more likely to be the case if the injury is not managed properly from the start.  This is why you should see a physical therapist first and fast after your first ankle sprain to reduce your chances of future injury.

 

The most surefire way to address your heel pain is through a course of physical therapy

Tired of searching for plantar fasciitis treatment in Visalia and wondering who’s the best provider?  We understand.   Here’s more on this condition and how we can help.

Plantar fasciitis is a stubborn injury that’s generally considered to be the most common cause of adult heel pain.  Though long-distance runners may be most familiar with the condition, it can occur from a number of activities, and anyone who’s dealt with plantar fasciitis knows how frustrating it often is.

The plantar fascia is a thick, connective band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes.  It’s designed to absorb the regular stresses we put on the feet and is a rather tough structure, but when too much pressure is applied the tissue can get damaged, leading to inflammation and pain.

The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is a stabbing pain near the heel that’s most noticeable upon waking up and after standing for too long.  Due to the repetitive stress long-distance runners put on their feet, they experience the injury most frequently.  But people who have flat feet or high arches, are overweight or regularly perform any other weight-bearing activity are also at increased risk.

Plantar fasciitis is also notorious for coming back after the initial symptoms start to go away, and 10% of patients have the condition for more than one year.  This highlights the importance of getting proper treatment early on to keep symptoms at bay and prevent the condition from progressing further.  The best way to do this is through a comprehensive physical therapy program designed to increase the strength and flexibility of the plantar fascia and surrounding area.  Treatment programs are developed based on each patient’s individual condition, abilities and goals, but will usually consist of the following:

• Advice on how to select supportive footwear and/or shoe inserts that reduce stress to the plantar fascia
• Strengthening exercises for the calf, ankle and foot
• Stretching exercises to improve the flexibility of the ankle and plantar fascia
• Pain-relieving modalities like heat, ultrasound and icing the bottom of the foot
• Massage and manual techniques to release muscle tension and reduce pain
• Taping the foot or using a night splint

Our physical therapists see patients with plantar fasciitis frequently and our treatments have been proven to work.  This is highlighted in the conclusion of this recent study:

The results of this study support prior studies that show faster recovery time for those who receive evidence-based physical therapy for their foot pain (from plantar fasciitis)

So if your exercise regimen or daily routine is being hindered by plantar fasciitis, it may be time to see one of our physical therapists if you haven’t already done so.  Our personalized treatment programs are your fastest ticket to a safe recovery and a return to the things you love.  Click here for our contact information.