Plantar fascitis is characterized by pain at the calcaneal origin of the plantar fascia and increased thickness of the plantar fascia (Buchbinder, 2004). The condition is prevalent in both sports active and sedentary populations. The prevalence in the general population is estimated to range from 3.6% to 7% (Dunn et al., 2004; Hill et al., 2008), whereas plantar fasciitis may account for as much as 8% of all running-related injuries (Lysholm & Wiklander, 1987; Taunton et al., 2002). Many studies discussed the optimum treatment for plantar fasciitis and show that the treatment program should have a combination of passive and active techniques. Some clinical tips for plantar fasciitis management: 1. Patient education. 2. Advice the patient to wear comfortable shoes and reduce the activities that aggravate the symptoms. 3. Apply myofascial release, kinesio taping for pain management. 4. Manual therapy and strengthening exercise training to address any impairments identified during the objective assessment. 5. Gradual loading from double leg calf raises to single leg calf raises. 6. Apply Ratleff et.al loading program (2014): A. Single leg cuff raises with towel under the foot to increase the fascia loading. B. 3 secs concentric, 3 secs isomertic (pause), 3 secs eccentric. C. Loading could be increased by wearing a backpack or holding books. D. Apply the program for 12 weeks, 12 repetitions for 3 sets.
7- After completing the loading program, the patient can start a tailored sports program according to his tolerance.
Read more about the High-load strength training in patients with plantar fasciitis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25145882
