How Runners Can Resolve Plantar Fasciitis With Physical Therapy
Are you a runner dealing with a bad case of plantar fasciitis? If you need clarification about resolving it, our Elder Athlete Physical Therapy physical therapists can help. Our sports physical therapists understand that results matter for any runner. We’ll get to the root cause(s) of your issues and get back running pain-free!
Plantar fasciitis is often an excruciating condition that makes walking more than a few steps a struggle and running impossible. It’s common with all types of runners, whether elite or novice and accounts for up to 10 percent of all running injuries yearly. Unfortunately, a lot of information about what you should or shouldn’t be doing is contradictory.
At Elder Athlete Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are up to date on the most effective treatments to help runners get back to doing what they love! When making clinical decisions, we will consider your unique preferences, concerns, and expectations and integrate the most up-to-date treatments to get results!
Request an appointment today and let our running specialists get you back to running pain-free!
The most common cause of plantar fasciitis in runners
Plantar fasciitis primarily affects weight-bearing activities, and runners are particularly susceptible to developing this condition. The highest quality and most relevant evidence have identified the most common underlying cause of plantar fasciitis: a loss of range of motion in the ankle.
Studies have demonstrated that plantar fasciitis often starts when a runner lacks dorsiflexion range of motion. Dorsiflexion is the motion that occurs in your ankle when you draw your toes back toward your shins. The lack of this motion at the ankle causes excessive strain on the plantar fascia, which leads to microscopic tears that cause pain.
Limited dorsiflexion range of motion can cause problems for runners, including altered gait mechanics, increased risk of injury, and reduced performance. Here are some of the most common causes of reduced dorsiflexion range of motion in runners:
- Tightness in the calf muscles: Tightness in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles can limit ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. This can be caused by excessive training, inadequate stretching, or improper footwear.
- Achilles tendinopathy: Achilles tendinopathy is a condition characterized by pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon. This can lead to a loss of dorsiflexion range of motion in the ankle.
- Ankle sprains: Ankle sprains can cause ligament damage and joint instability, limiting the ankle’s dorsiflexion range of motion.
- Ankle impingement: Ankle impingement occurs when soft tissue structures get compressed between the ankle bones. This can limit the dorsiflexion range of motion.
- Arthritis: Arthritis in the ankle joint can cause stiffness and limit the ankle’s range of motion.
- Previous injuries or surgeries: Previous ankle injuries or surgeries can cause scar tissue and adhesions, limiting ankle dorsiflexion range of motion.
- Poor biomechanics: Poor running form, such as over-striding, can increase impact forces on the ankle and reduce the dorsiflexion range of motion.
Runners must address any loss of dorsiflexion range of motion through stretching, strengthening, and proper training techniques. Too often, runners don’t realize they have limited movement because it isn’t dramatic enough to affect ordinary daily tasks. Over time, the loss of motion leads to the improper distribution of forces, increasing the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis.
Don’t let plantar fasciitis keep you from your passion. Take control of your recovery with our customized physical therapy program!
How physical therapy at Elder Athlete Physical Therapy helps runners
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most frustrating conditions to treat due to how long it can resolve. Usually, it can take anywhere from 6-18 months to recover. Fortunately, our Elder Athlete Physical Therapy team of physical therapists uses an evidence-based approach to treatment. We’ll integrate the research, our clinical expertise, and your goals to inform our treatment choices.
Initially, we’ll start with a detailed evaluation, including a biomechanical assessment, and dig into any lifestyle factors contributing to your problem. Our specialists will identify the limitations and potential issues contributing to your condition.
In addition, we will assess your ankle range of motion, your strength, balance, and coordination, as well as your running shoes, your typical mileage, and any recent changes to your training. The more information we can extract, the better we can integrate all the information we learn and make the best decisions about your treatment.
Next, we’ll implement a comprehensive program that includes targeted manual techniques and stretching/mobility work to improve the dorsiflexion range of motion. We will also incorporate strengthening the foot and calf muscles, recommendations for proper footwear, and any appropriate pain relief technique.
Our programs include clear instructions on proper warm-up return-to-run protocols and preventative programs to ensure we resolve the condition and prevent future episodes.
Request an appointment today!
Stop suffering from plantar fasciitis and start thriving in your running routine. Our experienced physical therapy team at Elder Athlete Physical Therapy is here to support you every step of the way!
Contact us to start your treatment plan today!