Plantar Fasciitis

What is Plantar Fasciitis?                          

Plantar fasciitis which is often referred to as ‘stone bruise’ or ‘heel spurs’ is an inflammation of the plantar fascia that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the attachment at the inside of the heel becomes irritated and then inflamed resulting in heel pain.

Signs and Symptoms

Plantar fasciitis is often described as pain first thing in the morning after getting out of bed or after sitting.  The pain often decreases a short time after being on your feet. The pain may or may not increase with time on your feet. The pain may increase over a number of months.

Causes

Most commonly, people with either overly flat feet or high-arched feet are most prone to developing plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is an over use injury where excessive pronation (fallen arches) adds additional tension to the plantar fascia causing the initial irritation.

Spending long periods of time walking on hard surfaces and wearing low flat shoes that have little support can increase symptoms.

On X-ray, heel spurs can be found in patients with plantar fasciitis, these are great indicators of tension at the attachment however these are rarely a source of pain.

Treatment Options

• Strapping
• Ice
• Stretching
• Orthotic devices
• Footwear
• Reduce Activity
• Medications