Can plantar fascitis be cured with physiotherapy? I have tried changing my footwear, reduced weight. But I still wake up with pain in my heel in the morning. Can you suggest some exercises?

Ans: Thank you for your query. Yes , Plantar fasciitis can be very much treated with Physiotherapy with good outcome. Under physiotherapy management, the patient is made aware about what causes plantar fasciitis, pain is relieved with modalities like Ultra sound ,some times TENS modalities, along with stretching of the calf muscles and plantar fascia, proper education about using insole or modified foot wear. During sleep, the plantar fascia and calf muscles tighten slightly. When you take the first steps, the fascia is suddenly stretched and irritated.For plantar fasciitis, regular stretching and strengthening exercises can help reduce heel pain and improve walking comfort. Start with calf stretching by standing facing a wall, keeping the affected leg behind with the heel flat, and holding the stretch for 30 seconds. Before getting out of bed in the morning, gently pull your toes upward toward your shin to stretch the plantar fascia and reduce the first-step heel pain. You can also do towel scrunch exercises by placing a towel on the floor and curling it toward you using your toes to strengthen the small muscles of the foot. Slow heel raises while holding a support can help strengthen the calf and reduce stress on the plantar fascia over time. Rolling the arch of the foot over a frozen water bottle for 5–10 minutes may additionally help relieve pain and inflammation. I wish you a very quick recovery