Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is caused by repetitive strain and is a common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament structure that supports the longitudinal arches of the foot. It is a fibrous band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot.

Symptoms

Symptoms may be spontaneous. Starts as a dull, intermittent pain in the heel or arch progressing to sharp, persistent pain. Sharp pain through the heel and foot that usually occurs in the morning or after resting and gradually decrease with walking. Tightness in calf muscles.

Causes

Inflammation and pain resulting form increased physical activity, increased aging, poor footwear, weight gain, running on heels or balls of the feet or on uneven surfaces. Underlying biomechanical problem caused by poor foot mechanics.

Plantar Fasciitis Relief

Depending on the cause and severity, treatment can involve:

Ice application
Decrease standing and physical activities
Stretching and strengthening exercises to reduce tightness in plantar fascia and calf muscles
Use of a night splint, to maintain a gentle, constant stretch across the plantar fascia
Therapeutic ultrasound to reduce inflammation and pain
Proper supportive footwear
Custom-made orthotics to address the biomechanical problem and alleviate strain on the plantar fascia
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy uses high pressure shock waves to relieve pain and promote healing
Cortisone Injection
Surgery (rare cases)