The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue on the plantar surface of our feet that attaches from the heel bone or calcaneus to the toes. A painful inflammatory process of the plantar fascia can lead to a condition known as plantar fasciitis.
The diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is usually made by clinical examination alone. An incidental finding associated with plantar fasciitis is a heel spur, a small bony calcification on the calcaneus. Although plantar fasciitis is responsible for the creation of the spur, it is the plantar fasciitis that produces the pain, not the spur itself.
Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain on the plantar aspect of the heel that is most often the worst with the first few steps in the day.
The most common causes of plantar fasciitis include a sudden increase in walking or running, tight calf muscles, mechanical imbalances in the foot, excessive load on the foot or wearing shoes with little or no support. Problems in other areas of our body may alter how our foot strikes the ground and can be another cause of plantar fasciitis. Altered movement patterns in the spine, pelvis, hips or knees can also be a source of foot pain. Therefore it is crucial to have a thorough assessment by a physiotherapist to ensure the correct cause for the plantar fasciitis has been identified. Treatment approach and results will be dependent on proper assessment.
Local conservative treatment options include the use of modalities such as shock wave therapy, ultrasound and laser along with exercise prescription. Additional strategies include providing arch support using tape or orthotics, proper footwear education and night splinting. If distal issues have been identified, correction of these is essential along with local treatment to the plantar fascia.
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, call us at Stapleford Physiotherapy. We will help you “get back on your feet” and do what you love without the pain!
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