Plantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of heel pain and often affects people who spend long periods of time on their feet. This painful condition is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a band of fibrous tissue that runs from the bottom of your toes up to your heel bone. It’s no wonder then that PF is commonly referred to as ‘achy-walking heel’! If you are spending lots of time on your feet or doing activities like running, cycling or dancing — all things that can put strain on your plantar fascia — it can become inflamed and painful. Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for plantar fasciitis…
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that affects the bottom of your foot. It happens when the plantar fascia — the ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes — becomes inflamed. You are more likely to get plantar fasciitis if you have a job that requires you to stand, walk, or sit for long periods of time on hard surfaces. You are also more likely to get it if you have high arches, overweight, or if you make poor footwear choices. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include heel pain when you stand up or walk, especially in the morning.
Why Does the Plantar Fascia Become Inflamed?
The plantar fascia is made up of fibrous connective tissue that extends from the toes to the heel bone and is responsible for supporting the arch of the foot. It helps to transfer the weight from the heel to the toes and, as a result, can experience a significant amount of force from standing, walking and other day-to-day activities. Although the plantar fascia is strong, it is also very sensitive and can become inflamed as a response to repetitive strain and stress. While the precise cause of plantar fasciitis is not fully understood, it is thought that the plantar fascia may become over-stretched and develop small tears in its fibrous structure, causing pain and impairing the foot’s ability to support the body’s weight.
How to recognize plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis can be diagnosed based on the symptoms described above. A physical examination might reveal tenderness in the region of the heel and tightness of the calf muscle. Some of the diagnostic tests that your doctor might order are an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound. These imaging techniques can help in determining the precise cause of your heel pain but most of the time these investigations aster not necessary.
Effective treatments for plantar fasciitis
Initial treatments for plantar fasciitis may include rest, icing and compression, as well as the use of stretching and orthotic devices. If symptoms are persistent and/or severe, your doctor may recommend one or a combination of the following treatments: –
Physiotherapy : Physical therapy is especially helpful in treating plantar fasciitis as it helps to reduce inflammation, improve posture and strengthen the muscles in the feet. Physiotherapy can also be helpful in teaching you stretching exercises, as well as in changing your gait and posture.
Orthotics: An orthotic is a device that you insert in your shoe. One known as a heel cushion may help alleviate some of the pain.
Night splints: A night splint is a device that holds the foot and lower leg in a particular position, stretching the plantar fascia and therefore preventing pain in the morning.
Injections: Corticosteroid injections can be helpful in reducing inflammation. Other substances that maybe injected include PRP (platelet rich plasma) as well at Botox (although this is off label)
Surgery: Some cases of plantar fasciitis do not respond to any other treatment options. In these cases, surgery can be helpful in correcting a tight gastrocnemius which may be a significant contributing factor.
Conclusion
Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition that can make it difficult to walk and stand. The pain is usually felt near the heel or the arch. There are many ways to treat plantar fasciitis, including anti-inflammatory drugs, stretching exercises and massage, rest and changing your daily habits. You can also use footwear designed to relieve pain and support your feet.