Physical Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Topic Overview

Physical therapy can teach you the proper stretching and strengthening exercises and can provide the support and motivation you need to complete your treatment for plantar fasciitis.

Many therapists evaluate leg and foot alignment to find out whether problems in position caused the heel pain in the first place. They then treat the alignment problem either with specific muscle strengthening or by measuring for (and, in some cases, constructing) heel lifts or other inserts (orthotics) to wear inside the shoes.

A physical therapist can also help you plan your gradual return to activity as symptoms go away.

Ultrasound has been a common treatment for plantar fasciitis. But recent studies suggest that it may be no more effective than sham treatment.1 Ask your doctor about ultrasound for plantar fasciitis.

References

Citations

  1. Landorf KB, Menz HB (2008). Plantar heel pain and fasciitis, search date January 2007. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Barry L. Scurran, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery
Last Revised January 18, 2012

Last Revised: January 18, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Barry L. Scurran, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2013 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.