Plantar Fasciopathy is a lesion of the foot caused by stretching or rupture of the plantar “fascia,” a fibrous membrane that runs from the heel bone to the base of the toes.
This membrane is, somehow, the “floor” of the foot. It covers and protects the tendons and other deep structures of the foot. The fascia helps maintain the arch.
About 1% of the population is affected.
Usually the pain is felt at the origin of the plantar fascia at a point under the heel or on the inner side of the foot, but it can spread over the entire plantar surface to the toes.
The pain is greatest after waking up, due to the shortening of the arch which occurs overnight.
Our expert physical therapists at Absolute Physical Therapy and Fitness in Houston TX, diagnose plantar fasciopathy by examining your foot and your habits.
One of the following situations may be the cause:
- Practicing sports without proper preparation of muscles and tendons, or without adequate equipment. Running or jogging, jumping, team sports (volleyball, etc.), skiing, tennis, aerobics and workout on a stair climber are part of the physical activities most at risk;
- This is an important risk factor for plantar fasciitis, especially because the excess weight often increases tension in the muscle chain in the back of the legs. These tensions are reflected on the feet;
- Wearing shoes that poorly support arch and heel, which causes a biomechanical imbalance. This is particularly the case of shoes whose soles or heels are too hard, and those whose too soft foothills do not stabilize sufficiently heels;
- The hollow feet or flat feet;
- Walking or prolonged standing on hard surfaces.
Highly qualified physical therapists in Houston, TX help identify the causes of a plantar fasciopathy.
ASTYM, an abbreviation for Augmented Soft Tissue Manipulation, is a very effective treatment in Plantar Fasciopathy.
This kind of physical therapy works very well on patients with soft tissues injuries.
Our team of expert therapists at Absolute Physical Therapy and Fitness in Houston TX, targets the injured area with an instrument designed to stimulate a healing response.
The consequence is a regeneration of the soft tissues and a reduction of fibrosis, inflammation and scars, resolving the direct causes of Plantar Fasciopathy.
Physical therapists in Houston, TX, dispense a home stretching and exercise program to guide the tissues healing.
ASTYM Therapy usually lasts 6 to 12 sessions, depending on your specific injury. Physical therapists at Absolute Physical Therapy and Fitness in Houston TX, are Astym-certified.