Occupational Therapy Interventions and Treatments

Some chronic and severe cases of plantar fasciitis may have strongest pain in the morning but pain can also last throughout the day. This lasting pain could pose a great threat to productivity, efficiency and overall comfort especially for those whose daily routines demand long hours standing or are physically strenuous. An occupational therapist (OT) would be an excellent professional to consult in these severe cases that inhibit usual daily routines. Several tools that and OT can utilized include activity analysis, ergonomic evaluation, and orthotic devices.

One great tool that OT can provide is activity analysis. Through activity analysis the OT can break down the activity into several pieces considering all the details from body structures, tools, and motor skills to space demands, sequencing and timing, and psychosocial implications (L. Jensen, personal communication, November 6, 2007). With a unique view of all the pieced involved in performing that activity, the OT can work with the client to modify their daily routine to accommodate the pain that is associated with the plantar fasciitis. In so many cases, resting the foot or restricting standing may not be possible for the client, the OT can identify ways for the client to use “relative rest” and alter the demands on the affected foot (Young, Rutherford & Niedfeldt, 2001).

The physical demands of the clients daily routine may interfere with the natural healing process that repairs the plantar fascia. Continual stress on the fascia will create ideal circumstances to develop chronic pain 9 Young, Rutherford & Niedfeldt, 2001). Through an ergonomic evaluation, an OT can help the client to modify body positioning and body mechanics that are painful or stressors to the plantar fascia. If resting the foot is not an option then it is important that as the client continues with normal routine activities they do all they can to avoid reinjuring (A. Matthews, personal communication, September 11, 2008).

Also, OTs work with many clients who use orthotics for several reasons. Plantar Fasciitis is another condition where orthotics can be worn. Orthotics can reduce the physical demands on the plantar fascia to allow the natural healing process to repair damage as quickly as possible. Orthotics are able to provide pain relief and comfort as well as additional support and shock absorption in an affordable way. Studies have shown that orthotics, as a first time treatment for plantar fasciitis, reduced pain levels within the first five months of treatment (Seligman & Dawson, 2003). For additional details on this study see the resources post.

Dorsal Foot Night Splint photo courtesy of ptdirectonline.com