Plantar fasciitis
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fascia is a thick ligament-like structure that connects the heel with the toes of your foot. It connects the bones in the foot and helps to form the arch of the foot. It is stretchy to some extent like a thick rubber band and functions like a shock absorber when you walk, run or jump.
When the plantar fascia gets damaged through wear and tear, overuse or overstretch, the structure gets inflamed which then causes pain and stiffness at the heel or the bottom of the foot.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
- pain at the heel or bottom of the foot - pain can be sharp and stabbing or dull, sometimes you can have burning pain
- stiffness around the heel and Achilles tendon
- pain after period of rest (first thing in the morning or after long sitting)
- pain after prolonged activity, but not during the activity
- difficulties climbing the stairs due to Achilles tendon stiffness
How can Plantar fasciitis be treated?
To clear plantar fasciitis fully and prevent its reoccurrence few different treatment approaches are needed. In Perfect Therapy clinic we devise a tailored treatment depending on your risk factors and preferences.
At the start rest, ice, soft tissue work, modalities like ultrasound or hydrotherapy can be used to assist healing of the damaged tissue and decrease pain. Sometimes medication or injections are needed as well to bring the pain and inflammation down.
As the pain and the inflammation decrease, exercises to strengthen the weak muscles and stretch the tight muscles are introduced. Occasionally we would suggest additional modalities like night splinting. We will also analyse your gait and assess your footwear and recommend and changes, including orthotics prescription, to prevent the plantar fasciitis reoccurrence.
What are the MAIN causes of plantar fasciitis?
