Plantar fasciitis

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes and helping support the arch. Plantar fasciitis develops when repetitive stress causes this tissue to become irritated and painful near its attachment to the heel.

It is one of the most common causes of pain underneath the heel. A classic symptom is sharp or stabbing pain with the first few steps after getting out of bed in the morning. Pain may also occur after sitting for a long period, when standing after rest, or following prolonged walking, running, or exercise. Symptoms sometimes ease as the foot warms up but return later in the day or after activity.

Plantar fasciitis is often associated with overuse, a sudden increase in activity, tight calf muscles, prolonged standing, unsupportive footwear, increased body weight, or structural factors such as flat feet or high arches. Although a heel spur may appear on an X-ray, the spur itself is not always the source of the pain.

Because stress fractures, nerve irritation, arthritis, tendon disorders, and other conditions can also cause heel pain, an examination is important when symptoms persist or interfere with daily activities.

How can it be treated?

• Stretching exercises

• Custom inserts (3D scan)

• RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

• Shoe modification

• Medications including NSAIDS and/or steroids

• Pads/Braces

• Night splint

• Walking boot

• Injections (both steroidal or non-steroidal)

• Non-invasive EPAT therapy (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment) also known as a shock wave therapy

• Surgical repair