The Impact of Heel Pain Part 1

Have you ever experienced a sharp pain in your heel for no apparent reason? One of the causes of heel pain is a condition called plantar fasciitis. It iscaused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. The plantar fascia serves as a ‘shock absorber’ for thearch of the foot.

The patient typically experiences a stabbing sensation in the foot, especially when getting out of bed in the morning. It is not unusual for the pain to subside with movement or stretching. The pain tends to reoccur after prolonged sitting, standing, or walking.

Causes include weight, age, activity, and even gender. Certain activities that place stress on the heel (running, dancing) also play a role. Women are also more prone then men, especially when pregnant.

Too much tension in the plantar fascia can cause small tears in the tissue. When left untreated, the damage worsens and surgery may be warranted. Physical therapy plays an important role to reduce pain and help avoid surgery.

Thanks for reading check back next week to learn how we help with Heel Pain!

Ernest R. Bloom, PTA CSST

Ernie Bloom

Posted in Physical Therapy

Fighting Fibromyalgia Part 2

Management of Fibromyalgia with Exercise

For a patient with fibromyalgia, every day is different. Symptoms can often come and go. Some days may be extremely challenging, while others are more manageable. A well designed exercise program plays an important role in the management of fibromyalgia but the fear of pain prevents individuals from exercising. This is where a licensed physical therapist can help.

Expect the physical therapist to evaluate current functional limitations and establish personalized goals. The physical therapist will also evaluate the ‘body mass index’ of the client and determine if weight loss can help reduce symptoms. In addition, the therapist will design a comprehensive lifestyle improvement program consisting of exercise and manual therapy techniques to help relieve pain and restore function.

There are several added benefits with the pain relief associated with a physical therapy program. Clients find that they can sleep better, focus more effectively and experience a greater sense of wellbeing as compared to individuals who do not exercise.

The Universal Role of Physical Therapy

Whether you experience pain as a result of fibromyalgia or any other condition, your physical therapist can teach you to interpret the severity of pain signals and possibly reduce pain with structured exercise. You will discover how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage stress, reduce pain and improve your sleeping habits.

As experts in restoring strength and improving mobility, therapists can develop a very specific and individualized plan of care based on the problems that clients are experiencing. This is true not only in the case of individuals afflicted with fibromyalgia, but those with any injury, pain, or lack of mobility and function for any reason.

As the premier providers of physical therapy in our community, our primary goal is to help you reduce pain and fatigue and improve your overall level of fitness. We want you to live a happy, healthy, and pain free lifestyle and are committed to serving you. Call us today and give us a chance to show you what we can do for you.

Thanks for reading!

Jurgen D. Cowling, P.T.

Jurgen Cowling, P.T.

Posted in Fibromyalgia, Physical Therapy
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