Heel pain, treated from the ground up.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons people come to see me. I treat the painful tissue, find out why it is overloaded, and when the feet are part of the story, I cast custom orthotics from your own feet.
- 60 to 90 min
- evaluations
- One on one
- every visit
- No referral
- required
01
What plantar fasciitis is
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the sole of your foot, from the heel to the toes. It supports your arch every time your foot meets the ground. When it is asked to do more than it can handle, it becomes irritated where it attaches at the heel.
The classic sign is sharp heel pain with the first steps out of bed in the morning, or when you stand up after sitting. It often eases as you warm up, then aches again after a long day on your feet, a long hike or a run.
02
Why it happens
- Flat feet (fallen arches) or high, rigid arches
- Tight calves and a stiff Achilles tendon
- A sudden jump in walking, hiking or running miles
- Long days standing on hard floors
- Worn out or unsupportive shoes
- Leg length differences and how you walk
03
How I treat it
Treatment starts with the evaluation. I look at how you stand and walk, the shoes you live in, and the calf, ankle, knee and hip above the foot. Then I treat what I find: hands-on manual therapy and soft tissue work, mobilization of the foot and ankle, stretching and strengthening, and a home program.
When your feet are part of the problem, custom-made orthotics become part of the plan. I have been casting them since 2003. Each one is made from a plaster cast of your own foot, not a store shelf average, and I guarantee six months of fitting at no further cost.
04
Your first visit
- 01A 60 to 90 minute evaluation: your history, how the pain started, what makes it better and worse, and a hands-on assessment of how you move.
- 02Treatment the same day, so you leave with less pain and a clear understanding of what is going on.
- 03A plan built around what matters to you, with a home program you can actually do.
Questions
Good to know.
Do I need orthotics for plantar fasciitis?
Not always. The evaluation tells us. If your foot mechanics are driving the problem, custom orthotics help. If they are not, I will tell you and we will treat it other ways.
How long does plantar fasciitis take to get better?
It depends on how long it has been going on and what is driving it. After your evaluation I will tell you what I expect, and we will adjust as you respond.
Should I keep hiking or running?
Often you can keep moving with changes to distance, terrain or shoes. We will work out what your foot can handle right now and build back from there.
Do I need a referral?
No. Montana allows direct access to physical therapy, so you can call me directly. It is always wise to check whether your specific insurance requires a physician referral for reimbursement.
How do I make an appointment?
Call or text (406) 871-1751, or email tami.ellis@protonmail.com. Tell me a little about what is going on and when you are free. Visits are by appointment only.
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Get in touch
Let’s get you moving.
Call, text or email. No referral needed in Montana. Visits are in the clinic on Highway 35 in Bigfork, or by telehealth.