What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the most common form of chronic heel pain. The term "plantar" (Plan"tar) refers to the sole of the foot and the term "fasciitis" (fash"E-I'tis) refers to inflammation of the fascia, which is the fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. The plantar fascia makes up the arch on the bottom of your foot and acts to absorb shock and propel the foot forward. The location of heel pain from plantar fasciitis is usually at the front part of the heel but can be anywhere along the arch of the foot. The pain results from small tears, called microtears, in the fibers of the fascia.  The microtears will often heal partially during the night and become re-injured in the morning when getting out of bed.  Continual re-injury results in acute pain in the heel. Microtears in the plantar fascia may or may not be accompanied by discernable swelling.

Causes

Plantar fasciitis results from overstress of the plantar fascia tissue. There are certain activities and habits that can increase the risk of getting the condition. They include:

High impact sports such as basketball, tennis and volleyball. Repetitive stress sports, such as running or step aerobics. Sudden changes in activity level, for example, beginning a new exercise program or a sudden increase in training volume or intensity. Wearing shoes with little or no support - especially if you have flat feet or feet with high arches. Occupations that require a significant amount of time standing or walking, for example, police work, postal delivery, teaching and flight attendance. Being overweight. You are considered overweight if you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25. Having tight hamstring and calf muscles, which is often genetic but can be improved with stretching.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis is usually intermittent, meaning it can appear and disappear over time. Those who suffer from plantar fasciitis often experience sharp pain in their heel with the first steps in the morning, after long periods of sitting or being on their feet, and after exercise.

Although plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of chronic heel pain, there are other more serious ailments that can cause heel pain. It is important to visit a licensed healthcare provider, such as a podiatrist, orthopedic physician or family doctor, to obtain a diagnosis before beginning treatment for plantar fasciitis. The provider will conduct a physical examination and often order an x-ray or a bone scan to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Once a healthcare provider diagnoses you as having plantar fasciitis, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible. Conservative treatments for plantar fasciitis have a high success rate. Most people see a reduction in pain within six weeks, but eliminating the problem completely may take as long as one year. Studies have shown that the longer the patient waits to treat the plantar fasciitis, the harder it will be to eliminate.

Most doctors recommend conservative treatments such as rest, icing, massage, stretching, taping the foot, orthotics, supportive shoes, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and night splints. If conservative treatments fail, a health care provider may recommend other procedures such as walking casts or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT).  In some severe cases, more invasive treatments such as corticosteroid injections or surgery may be considered.

Heeling Solutions R.E.S.C.U.E. Program™for Plantar Fasciitis

The Heeling Solutions R.E.S.C.U.E. Program™ provides you with a comprehensive view of the causes of plantar fasciitis and demonstrates medically proven techniques to eliminate the pain. You can customize your treatment plan based upon your condition and the advice of a healthcare provider.