Plantar fasciitis, assessment, diagnosis and treatment
Discover how you can effectively treat plantar fasciitis
Epidemiology of plantar fasciitis
Heel pain introduction
Before you go...
Examination of the intrinic muscles of the feet
Examination of the foot and back in the management of plantar fasciitis
Effect of footwear on plantar fasciitis
Effect of footwear on heel pain
Effect of footwear on plantar fasciitis assessment
Effect of steroid injection and shockwave therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis
Effect of manual therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis
Soft tissue massage of the calf
Ischemic compression of the calf for the management of heel pain
Soft tissue massage, ischemic compression, and mobilisation of the foot and ankle
Orthotics and taping in the management of plantar fasciitis
Effect of orthoses on heel pain
How to apply low-dye-taping for plantar fasciitis and heel pain
Calcaneal taping for heel pain
Effects of orthotics and taping on plantar fasciitis assessment
Videos extremely helpful in identifying which muscle groups are involved.
Videos extremely helpful in identifying which muscle groups are involved.
Read LessA great online course, very well presented and easy to follow. I thought that the Acu Points at the end of the presentation were a great part, and I learnt s...
Read MoreA great online course, very well presented and easy to follow. I thought that the Acu Points at the end of the presentation were a great part, and I learnt some interesting points there.
Read LessI've just completed Steve's plantar fasciitis online course and have found it very interesting. All the way through Steve has used evidence to explain and ...
Read MoreI've just completed Steve's plantar fasciitis online course and have found it very interesting. All the way through Steve has used evidence to explain and support the various treatment options. He provides informative videos that give instruction, alongside written documents and a list of the references that he draws upon for further reading. There's also a certificate at the end, if you need it for CPD purposes. Thank you Steve. Leigh
Read LessWhat will I learn?
Heel pain is an umbrella term that covers a number of conditions of similar origin. The most common includes; plantar fasciitis, heel spur syndrome, fat pad atrophy and tarsal tunnel syndrome. Patient’s using “Dr Google” to find out what is the cause of their heel pain are likely to be given the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. As practitioners we know that this may not necessarily be the case.
I see several cases of plantar heel pain in my clinic each week and have found that taking a multidiscipline approach results in resolution of the condition. On this course I aim to pass on my clinical experience as a podiatrist, physiotherapist and acupuncture practitioner with supporting evidence for the management of plantar fasciitis. You will learn how to assess, diagnose and treat some of the most stubborn cases of heel pain through the use of a combination of tried and tested treatment modalities.
Your key to resolving your patients heel pain is to get the correct diagnosis through an assessment. I will take you on a guided journey to help you to fully understand the cause of plantar fasciitis. I will then take you through a step-by-step process of examination to help you eliminate and differentiate between the different cause of heel pain. Your knowledge, understanding and confidence will develop as you progress through the course to allow you to make an accurate diagnosis.
Intrinsic muscle function of the feet
The intrinsic muscles of the feet have an important role in the stabilisation of the foot and the medial longitudinal arch during daily activity. You will learn the dynamic function of the intrinsic muscles and how weakness will contribute to the onset of plantar fasciitis or delay healing. You will develop an understanding of the most effective strengthening exercises for the intrinsic muscles of the feet and how to implement these in your treatment protocol.
Manual therapy
You will learn how to apply some basic soft tissue manipulation to the calf and plantar fascia. You will also develop an understanding of the most effective mobilisation technique for the ankle joint.
Footwear
You will review the evidence with regards to how inadequate footwear may lead to the development of plantar fasciitis. You will develop your understanding of the importance of correct footwear for the management and prevention of plantar fasciitis.
Stretching exercises
The type of stretching exercise has been shown to be an important factor in the management of plantar fasciitis. You will develop your clinical skills in the application of the most effective stretching exercises for the management of plantar fasciitis.
Insoles and orthotics
You will review the finding of high-quality studies and develop an understanding of the best type of insole to use depending on the patient’s primary complaint for the management of plantar fasciitis.
Acupuncture, electroacupuncture, acupressure and dry needling
Dry needling, classical acupuncture and acupressure techniques have all been shown to be effective in the management of heel pain. You will learn how to integrate acupressure and needling techniques to deactivate trigger points and stimulate the healing process or reducing inflammation. You will develop your understanding of how to select the most effective classical acupuncture points or trigger points so that you may target your treatment.