OVERVIEW

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that causes heel pain.

The plantar fascia is a band of fibrous tissue that:

• Runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the ball of the foot.
• Supports and protects the arch of your foot.

Causes of plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis occurs when you strain the tissue and cause tiny tears.

Causes of this injury can include:

• Poorly fitting shoes or shoes without proper support.
• Improper training techniques.
• High arches or flat feet.
• Running or standing on hard surfaces for long periods.

Plantar fasciitis prevention

Wearing shoes that fit well is one of the best ways to prevent plantar fasciitis.

You can also wear orthotics to support your feet if the shape of your foot is causing the trouble.

Sometimes tight calf muscles or Achilles' tendons can worsen the problem and cause complications. So, be sure to stretch before and after activity.

SYMPTOMS

Plantar fasciitis symptoms

Most people with plantar fasciitis feel symptoms such as pain in their heel. It feels like a dull, aching pain that can sometimes become sharp or stabbing.

Pain often occurs when first getting out of bed, or when standing after sitting for a long time. It may get better after you walk a little, but worsen later in the day.

You may also have tenderness in the heel.

Diagnosing plantar fasciitis

After taking a medical history, your physician will do a physical exam to inspect your feet and see how you stand and walk.

You won't need x-rays or other imaging tests unless your physcian suspects you have a bone problem, such as a stress fracture.

TREATMENT

Plantar fasciitis treatment

When you first have pain, treatment and care for plantar fasciitis involve staying off your feet and resting your heel.

Other plantar fasciitis treatments include:

• Applying ice packs to your heel to lessen pain and swelling.
• Wearing orthotics or heel pads, or taping your foot to provide extra support to the ligaments for further relief.

Rehabilitation for plantar fasciitis

You may need physiotherapy to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles of your feet and legs.

Exercises focus on:

• Stretching the plantar fascia.
• Stretching the calf muscle.
• Strengthening the muscles around the foot and ankle joint.

If physiotherapy and rehab don't help manage your plantar fasciitis, your physician may suggest a cortisone injection.

Recovering from overuse injuries takes time. Be sure to take care of your feet when they become irritated to avoid prolonged pain and injury.

 

 

 

Content supplemented by UPMC Sports Medicine