Plantar Fasciitis (Symptoms and Treatment)

by westcoastsciMar 1, 2018Injuries

What is Plantar Fasciitis and how to treat it?

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It is attached to the heel bone and connects to each of the toes, and it provides strength and support to the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this band of tissue gets strained or irritated

Symptoms?

Plantar fasciitis most often causes pain in the heel or in the arch of the foot. Pain is commonly more noticeable after walking, running, or standing for long periods. The pain is usually sharp at first, and it may decrease or become duller after light activity. One or both feet may be affected by plantar fasciitis.

There is often not a clear cause or triggering event. People who are overweight, have tight calf muscles, high-arched feet, or flat feet are more at risk of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is also more common in people who frequently run or perform other high-impact activities like jumping, running or dancing.

What is the treatment?

Decreasing the amount of high impact exercise or making modification to your exercise program can decrease the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Additionally, stretching of the plantar fascia and calf muscles, along with daily ice for 10-20 minutes can help relief pain. Over the counter anti-inflammatory medication can provide short term pain relief. Shoes with good arch supports can also improve symptoms. Taping the bottom of the feet done by a physiotherapist or using shoe orthotics are other methods to provide additional foot support.

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References:

Muth CC. Plantar Fasciitis. JAMA. 2017;318(4):400. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.5806