Plantar Fasciitis: Foot Muscles and Research

February 9, 2023

I have successfully treated 94 people with Plantar Fasciitis over the last 7 months in Stratford Upon Avon and the surrounding areas. I currently have a 91% success rate for zero or 1 for pain and approximately 400% increase in mobility (this is a conservative measurement). I have been conducting research and refining my process of treatment to be increasingly effective using my 5 step process. The structure of the foot is complex as it has lots of functions and small muscles to allow for balance and movement and so when the fascia is damaged to muscles help support the foot. With movement changes this helps strengthen the foot to reduce pain but also aid in mobility.

As the video highlights the foot is complex and has to do several functions at once hence the complexity and layers of muscle fibres. The foot acts a shock absorber when walking or running. Stability and balance in normal and sporting movements, along with power for movement.

This means some of the muscles looked at in the video are used for stability, balance, power and as a shock absorber, sometimes all at the same time. When the foot is repositioned different muscles are doing different roles from before so are constantly changing. Weakness or lack of use of a muscle or doing a sequence of movements not done for some time is often a cause of Plantar Fasciitis. Other significant variables need to be considered like footwear, foot structure, high or low arch, strength, activity been done, previous injury. This is just the start, but as the structure is complex a vast number of reasons for why the plantar fascia is painful arise.

Key areas I have found to be significant with Plantar Fasciitis are:

  • Having a pre standing or getting out of bed routine helps significantly as it stretches the tissue and reduces the damage to the newly healed fascia that was happening when the foot was not loaded. Growth and repair are done when the body is at rest particularly when asleep. I have demonstrated this routine in my Plantar Fasciitis Masterclass (https://interxpainclinic.com/plantar-fasciitis-masterclass-stratford-upon-avon/) and the feedback from the group is extremely positive. I also use the same routine with some additions with clinic clients on a Plantar Fasciitis treatment programme.
  • Footwear, insoles and bare feet are also a discussion issue. I suggest that orthotics and plantar insoles are for short term use like you would use crutches post-surgery. The goal will be to strengthen you foot muscles to help support the fascia so healing can occur. I try to get people to have bare feet in the house when doing Plantar movements as it improves feedback and is neutral to you. Footwear is tricky, boots limit range of movement at the ankle and place more stress on the fascia so try not to wear. Flat shoes are best and a new pair help when changing how you walk to aid your recovery.
  • I tend to find that people with Plantar Fasciitis tend to walk either on their toes or mid foot with foot strike, or have a heel strike if walk from their hips. All clients benefit from walking and gait cycle changes, some are more extensive then others and all the changes require practice to learn. I explain this gait change in my masterclass with the changes altering how we stand and walk altering the forces on the muscles and fascia so reducing the loading and aiding recovery with a positive feedback loop. More information on movements can be found HERE (https://interxpainclinic.com/plantar-fasciitis-treatment-movements/)
  • I use InterX a medical device to help treat Plantar Fasciitis. The Device works in two ways through the nerves as a neuro stimulator to either release pain relief or anti-inflammatory endorphins to aid healing. Secondly to help the localised site of injury at a cellular level to help with fascia repair. More detail on treatment can be found HERE: https://interxpainclinic.com/plantar-fasciitis-treatment/

    Plantar Fasciitis Treatment is Available at InterX Pain Clinic Stratford Upon Avon

    If you would like to know more about how I treat plantar fasciitis please call Stephen on 01789 228123 for a conversation or use the messenger icon. Alternatively join the plantar fasciitis masterclass group which can be accessed HERE.

    I have just completed a Book Plantar Fasciitis Information and Solutions which is available by signing up below 

About the author

Stephen Grinnell MSc Health and Rehabilitation
Pain and Physical Rehabilitation Specialist: Plantar Fasciitis, Lower back and Knee
Stephen has had his own Pain and Rehabilitation Clinic for over 13 years where he has treated well over 2800 people with lots of different pain and injury issues. Stephen’s personal physical rehabilitation journey started with a serious injury while on active service with the Royal Marines 25 years ago. This injury resulted in a long journey of complementary rehabilitation and two replacement hips. Stephen has developed his own bespoke treatment protocols using a variety of medical devices to help pain and inflammation resulting in accelerated recovery. Expert areas of focus are Plantar Fasciitis Treatment, Back pain issues particularly Lower Back and Sciatica and hip and knee replacement rehabilitation. Stephen previously had a successful academic career lecturing at a variety of Colleges and Universities in the Sports Science, Rehabilitation and Training areas. Stephen has also worked in The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Physiotherapy department during the Covid 19 Pandemic helping the recovery of COVID patients. In 2022 Stephen has been extensively researching and trialling protocols to treat plantar fasciitis. His Expertise has resulted in the successful treatment of 303 people and counting with a current success rate of 93%

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