Research and News
Foot Care
A successful treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis
May 19th
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our email updates for new blog posts. Thanks for visiting!
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition caused by an inflammation of the plantar fascia, affecting nearly 2 million in the US annually (Martin et al. 2001). While most cases of plantar fasciitis are resolved with conservative treatment within a year, severe cases usually result in a surgical intervention.
A recent case report in the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy describes a successful intervention in a 61 year old patient with a 10-year history of chronic plantar fasciitis who used night splints. Plantar fasciitis can increase the risk of falls in older adults, although the condition is not as prevalent as in younger adults.
In the case report, physical therapists Stephanie Peplinski and Kent Irwin described their 4-week intervention. The patient received 8 sessions of individualized physical therapy, twice a week for 4 weeks. She received soft tissue mobilization and iontophoresis with dexamethasone, and performed 4-direction ankle Thera-Band resistance band exercises for 10 repetitions in the clinic and at home. She also used a balance board and foam pad for balance training in the clinic.
At discharge, she reported decreased pain and improved activities of daily living (ADL). More >
Thera-Band® First Step to Foot Relief™ Awarded APMA Seal of Acceptance
Apr 29th
Akron, OH (PRWEB) April 21, 2011. The American Podiatric Medical Association has awarded the APMA Seal of Acceptance to the Thera-Band® First Step to Foot Relief™, a first-line treatment plan for heel pain. The seal is awarded to a product after the Committee on Podiatric Seals, a standing committee of the American Podiatric Medical Association, scientifically evaluates and determines whether the product allows normal foot function and promotes quality foot health.
The First Step to Foot Relief provides the podiatrist with an at-home treatment plan that enhances their in-clinic service with professional tools and an easy-to-follow program. The product was developed under the direction of practicing podiatrists, physical therapists and chiropractors to address heel pain.
“Over two million Americans suffer from heel pain, the most common ailment seen in podiatry today,” stated Elizabeth DeFranco, Podiatry Marketing Manager at Performance Health. “Our new First Step to Foot Relief provides a podiatrist with guided options to improve their patient’s well-being and to enhance their level of service for patients with heel pain. We are very pleased that the First Step to Foot Relief received the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance, which further validates the product’s value and impact.”
The APMA Seal of Acceptance recognizes products that have More >
Active Aging Today Series: Thera-Band Exercises for Plantar Fasciitis
Dec 31st
Plantar Fasciitis by Dr. Phil Page
Plantar Fasciitis is characterized by pain at the bottom of the foot, and is sometimes associated with a ‘heel spur.’ Specific exercises in the First Step to Foot Relief kit can help improve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Download and read the article with exercises here.
REFERENCE: Page P. Plantar Fasciitis. Active Aging Today, 2(2), 2010. Available online here
Visit the Thera-Band Academy Plantar Fasciitis Resource Center here
5 New Thera-Band Active Care Products Available
Apr 9th
The Hygenic Corporation / Performance Health Inc. is excited to announce the introduction of 5 new Thera-Band products that give healthcare providers new home exercise program options. Download the press release here.
Retail packaged, the Thera-Band® Foot Roller is an ideal tool for patients who are seeking an affordable, simple and effective solution to relieving foot pain caused by common conditions such as plantar fasciitis and over-activity. It features supple natural rubber, a ridged design, hollow core, and the ability to be chilled.
Packaged for practitioner resale and complete with an exercise poster, the 9” Thera-Band® Mini Ball can be used in-clinic or sold to patients for use as part of a home exercise program. This soft, tactile, non-slip PVC ball supports a range of varied and effective exercises designed to increase core strength.
Ideal for home exercise programs, the Thera-Band® Comfort Fit Ankle & Wrist Weight Sets feature adjustable straps, a soft terrycloth interior and reflective trim. They are available in three color-coded weight sets, ranging from red (two 1 lb. weights), to green (two 1.5 lb. weights), to blue (two 2.5 lb. weights).
Packaged for practitioner resale and complete with exercise instructions, the 13” Thera-Band® Stability Disc offers an unstable and sensory-stimulating surface designed More >
