Case study- Plantar Fasciitis Treatment And Recovery
How a nurse recovered from plantar fasciitis and ran her first 5k race
When it comes to any injury particularly difficult injuries like plantar fasciitis it is often hard to know what to do..
This is a case study that demonstrates how we approached plantar fasciitis that gave our patient Anna the best possible chance of recovery.
Anna’s Background
Anna is a 46yr Old Nurse who enjoyed walking decided to sign up for a 5k race for charity!
Our patient was new to running hence signing up for the couch to 5k, with a view to lose weight and to get fitter, both big motivators. She is a mother of two children and previously enjoyed netball, swimming and some Pilates.
The Problem:
After 2 months into her training program started experiencing heel pain, this forced her to stop training and seek professional help, the pain come on gradually but become severe with an increase in mileage whilst training for the 5k.
The GP diagnosed plantar fasciitis.
There was no resolution to the symptoms after seeing the GP so she tried the many home remedies and internet solutions such as ice, stretching and insoles from the internet and whilst they gave some relief none resolved and the pain persisted.
Some of the symptoms experienced by Anna were
Pain under the foot and heel running, walking and standing long periods.
With the first steps in the morning feeling like walking on eggshells, a very common symptom.
Our plan included
Consultation for a full Assess of health status
Assess injury
A Gait Analysis
Full functional body assessment.
To provide the best outcome and recovery we followed a proven 3 phase response to the injury.
- Pain & Symptom Management
- Ankle Rehabilitation
- Integration & Rehabilitation with the use of Custom Orthotics (not always required)
The diagnosis was confirmed: Plantar Faciosis (preferred clinical term to describe the injury plantar fasciitis).
The information gathered from the comprehensive assessment, including gait analysis and a full-body functional assessment, was crucial in developing the best treatment plan tailored to her needs. By evaluating how the body moves and functions, we identified any imbalances, weaknesses, or areas of instability. This detailed understanding allowed us to provide targeted treatment that aligns with her body’s current healing phase, ensuring the care is appropriate for optimal recovery and long-term health.
Treatment:
To get the best results it was key to provide the right treatment approach is key to achieving effective results, especially when dealing with issues in the lower body and plantar fasciitis. For example, massage to the lower limb muscles helped reduce tension, improve circulation, and promote faster healing. Targeted with the best of physiotherapy and osteopathy treatments such as mobility exercises and joint manipulation for areas like the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and spine helped restore proper movement patterns, alleviate pain, and prevent further dysfunction. Combining these treatments ensures that each part of the body is addressed, supporting overall recovery and enhancing functional performance in daily activities.
This was supported with home-based activities suited to plantar fasciitis and her health status.
Ankle Rehabilitation & Exercise Prescription
Getting exercises from the internet is simply guess work and can easily make things worse. Base on our comprehensive approach we applied the right exercise, such as flexibility exercises, strength training, and mobility work, essential for achieving the results.
Flexibility exercises help improve range of motion, reducing stiffness and preventing injury.
Strength training builds muscle support around joints, enhancing stability and resilience, while mobility exercises ensure smooth, functional movement.
Tailoring these treatments to Anna’s specific needs ensured a balanced recovery and again helps prevent further injury, leading to long-term improvements in movement and overall health.
Data Analysis & Clinical Input
The information gathered from the gait analysis via the footscan is analysed and then directly connected to a 3D laser printer, for the manufacture of the custom orthotics built specifically to the data input.
Custom Orthotics
Technological advances in 3D laser printing technology have revolutionised 3D print custom orthotics by allowing precise, directional support tailored to the foot’s unique needs. For Anna this meant her orthotics were designed to provide targeted stability and flexibility at key points during the gait cycle, ensuring optimal support as she moved.
By customising the level of support in specific areas, 3D-printed orthotics help improve balance, reduce strain, and enhance overall comfort, leading to better mobility and performance throughout daily activities.
Our results speak for themselves
Our comprehensive holistic treatment strategy not only speeds up recovery but also reduces the risk of re-injury, this allowed our patient Anna to maintain a level of fitness, to train more effectively and with greater confidence.
Bring on the next run, 10k booked for Anna!
Our expert
Our foot and ankle expert is Francis Connor, an advanced clinical practitioner and author of Plabtar Fasciitis. He is a registered Osteopathy, Physiotherapy and Masters Sports Injury & Rehabilitation Coach.
Book your assessment and treatment today….
Experience Plantar Fasciitis Relief with Radcliffe Osteopaths:
If you’re experiencing foot symptoms, don’t wait to seek help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced practitioners. Let us help you understand your condition and develop a personalised treatment plan to address your foot pain symptoms and improve your quality of life. With our comprehensive approach to plantar fasciitis care, you can trust that you’re in good hands with Radcliffe Osteopaths.
Francis Connor
Osteopath & Physiotherapist
Radcliffe, Bury, Whitefield, Bolton
01204 522133