Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, especially in runners, walkers, and those who spend long hours on their feet. It occurs when the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot—becomes inflamed or irritated, typically due to overuse, poor foot mechanics, or tight calf muscles. Left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
At Sparq Physical Therapy in Castle Rock, CO, we combine targeted orthopedic rehab with dry needling to address both the source of your pain and the surrounding muscle imbalances. Our one-on-one sessions are designed to reduce inflammation, restore mobility, and help you move pain-free.
Affected Area
Plantar fasciitis affects the plantar fascia, which runs from the heel bone (calcaneus) to the toes. It’s often associated with tightness or dysfunction in the calves, Achilles tendon, ankles, foot intrinsic muscles, and even the hips or core, which affect lower limb mechanics and loading patterns.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is sharp pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. Pain may improve slightly with movement but often worsens after prolonged standing, walking, or running. You may also feel tightness along the arch or bottom of the foot.
Treatments
At Sparq PT, we use a combination of orthopedic techniques and dry needling to treat plantar fasciitis from multiple angles. Your personalized treatment plan may include:
Dry needling to release trigger points in the calf, foot, and supporting muscles
Manual therapy to improve mobility in the ankle and foot
Targeted stretching and mobility work for the calves, plantar fascia, and toes
Foot strengthening to support the arch and improve gait mechanics
Gait and movement analysis to identify and correct underlying issues
Education on footwear, activity modification, and home care strategies
Many patients see significant improvement in pain and function within just a few sessions, especially when dry needling is used alongside a comprehensive physical therapy program.