Body Gears_All About Foot and Ankle Pain

Did you know physical therapists treat plantar fasciitis?

your arch have weakened from disuse in your heelsand it'scontributing toyourbarefootpain.  Even for those who don't usually wear high heels, you might find some increased comfort from wearing shoes with a higher heel if you have an issue with reduced strength of your intrinsic arch muscles. However, this is not a long-term solution since these types of shoes also place increased forces through your heel and forefoot bones that could end up exacerbating the problem.  Are Platelet-Rich Plasma injections effective?  The short answer is that yes, some people do experience great results with PRP injections and they don't have the same concerns as corticosteroid injections. The real question is whether those results are due to the contents of the injection or placebo.  A recent study compared platelet-rich and platelet-poor injections for chronic plantar fasciitis and found statistically significant improvements inbothgroupswithnosignificant difference between them. 1 Basically, if you're willing to shell out the money for something

That dreaded heel pain that's worse in the morning or after you've been sitting for a while but seems to get better as you walk and move around. Because plantar fasciitis is a pain you get when you're bearing your body's weight through your foot, it's potentially a symptom rather than a culpable pathology. Especially in the case of chronic plantar fasciitis, it might be time to look up the chain and see whether a knee, hip, or even back issue is contributing to the weight bearing problem along with other issues you might have going on in the small joints and muscles of the foot. With so many potential contributing factors, we'll leave your individual assessment and treatment up to your physical therapist but here are answers to two common questions related to plantar fasciitis. Should I stop/start wearing shoes with high heels? If you're a longtime high heel lover, you'll likely find that the pain is worse when you're barefoot and eased with wearing your beloved heels. If that's the case, it's best to keep wearing your heels until your first physical therapy appointment. Likely the muscles that support

® that might be a placebo but could still give you positive results with minimal risk, then go for it. On the other hand, if you find them cost-prohibitive, then alternatives like physical therapy can be just the same if not more effective and improve areas of your body beyond the injection site. For some people, a combination of both might even be best! 1.Malahias,Michael-Alexander, et al. "Similar effect of ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasmaversusplatelet-poorplasma injections forchronicplantar fasciitis."TheFoot (2018).

www.bodygears.com Exercise of theMonth Try this movement to improve your intrinsic foot muscles

To consult with a physical therapist to find out what's causing your plantar fasciitis, email info@bodygears.com or request an appointment on our website.

Staff Spotlight

Bojan ‘Bo’ Bozic, PTA, Physical Therapist Assistant

Bo earned his Associate degree in Health Sciences from the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL where he graduated with honors as a Physical Therapist Assistant. He also received his certification as a Massage Therapist from the University of Health Sciences in Lombard, and is a Certified Fitness and Dance Instructor. Certifications and Training: • Physical Therapist Assistant • Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant by the State of Illinois • ISSA Certified Fitness Instructor • Certified American Style Ballroom Professional Education: College of DuPage Associate in Health Sciences, 2018 International Sports and Science Academy Certified Fitness Instructor, 2016 University of Health Sciences Certified Massage Therapist, 2002 Find Bo at our Oak Park clinic

Toe Yoga

Alternating Toe Extension: With your feet on the floor, attempt to raise the big toe of one foot while keeping the rest of your toes on the floor. Attempt this for 30s-1min then switch to keeping your big toe down and raising the rest of your toes. Often people will struggle with one of these motions and sometimes both. Keep practicing the one you struggle with most first. Once you've mastered the movement, attempt to keep the toes that are in contact with the floor relaxed and not curled or trying to grip the floor. Also, ensure that your foot is not rocking side to side. You should feel the muscles in the arch of your foot working during this exercise. 

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