WHAT IS PLANTAR
FASCIITIS?
Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur
fas-e-I-tis) involves pain and inflammation of a thick, ligament-like
band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, that runs across the
bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. This
band pulls on the heel bone, raising the arch of your foot as it
pushes off the ground. If your foot moves incorrectly, the plantar
fascia could become strained. The fascia may swell and its tiny
fibers may begin to fray causing Plantar fasciitis.
CAUSES
Plantar fasciitis is usually
caused by improper foot mechanics. If your foot flattens out too
much, the fascia may overextend and swell. If your foot flattens too
little, the fascia may hurt from being pulled to tight.
SYMPTOMS
Stabbing foot pain that
usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. Once your foot
limbers up, the pain of plantar fasciitis normally lessens, but may
return after prolonged movement or after rest. The pain usually
happens on the inside of the foot, close to the spot where your heel
and arch meet.
MEDICAL HISTORY
AND PHYSICAL EXAM
Your
podiatrist may ask you about your symptoms first. Where does it hurt?
When and how often? Next, he or she may examine your foot and feel
for damaged ligaments, displaced bones or joints and inflamed
tendons. Your podiatrist may also watch you walk to see if your
symptoms are caused by improper bio-mechanics. X-rays may be taken to
see if there is a stress fracture of the heel bone or a heel spur.
TREATMENTS
To
relieve mild symptoms try aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medications as
directed. Rubbing ice on the affected area may also help.
If
your pain is due to poor foot mechanics, custom molded orthotics,
shoe inserts, may help.
To
reduce severe pain and swelling, your podiatrist may prescribe
injections or pills. Physical therapy, such as stretching or
ultrasound may also be advised.
To reduce symptoms caused by
irregular foot bio-mechanics, your podiatrist may tape them or use
strappings that will support the arch and temporarily controls
movement. Night splints may also be used.
It may also help to avoid
running on hard or uneven ground, wear house slippers that support
your arch and lose excess weight.
SURGERY MAY BE
NEEDED
Your podiatrist may want to do
a procedure if all other treatments don't control the pain. In
surgery, the plantar fascia is partially cut to release tension. As
you get better, fibrous tissues fill in the space between the heel
bone and the plantar fascia.
Great post!
ReplyDeleteI think the best way to think about the plantar fascia is to view it as a strong, thick band of connective tissue which runs from under the heel to the forefoot and forms the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a degenerative condition caused by micro-tears at the fascia’s attachment point.
There is no single treatment method for plantar fascia, however visiting a chiropractor such as Dr. Samuel Saukkonen and Dr. Pamela Leader would be advised!
However, there are some things you can do to minimise the negative effects of suffering from plantar fasciitis. Because PF is often triggered through using inappropriate footwear with little to no arch support (Ugg boots & flip flops), one of the easiest things to do is to to change your shoes that do have arch support.
Wearing high heel shoes everyday can also be a factor. Usually people don’t notice a problem until they suddenly stop wearing heels! Wearing high heels on a regular basis can shorten the calf muscles. When the individual then starts wearing flat shoes (such as flip-flops or sandals when on holiday!) the tightness in the calf muscles is compensated for by further pronating the foot and again, over-stretching the fascia.