Plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a strong thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. This fascia creates the arch of the foot and acts as a shock absorber but when the fascia is overused or over stretched it can be become inflamed and painful. Plantar fasciitis is a self-limiting problem but with conservative treatment the symptoms can be reduced and with lifestyle changes it can be prevented. It can take up to 6months/1 year to reduce symptoms.

Symptoms	Treatment
pain on the heel worse first thing in the morning tightness in the foot dull aching at the end of the day	no barefoot walking anti-inflammatory medication for 3 days calf and foot stretching exercises ice/heat therapy twice a day for 10-15 minutes strapping for the foot rest the foot orthotics wear supportive shoes

Causes

• sudden weight gain
• pregnancy
• foot arch problems
• tight Achilles tendon
• poor fitting shoes
• increase in activity

Tests

• swelling in the mid-foot
• redness and heat on the plantar (bottom) of the foot
• tenderness on the heel
• x-ray will rule out fractures and presence of a heel spur

Complications

Due to the insertion site of the plantar fascia at the heel the repetitive pulling of the fascia can draw out the insertion area on the bone causing a heel spur. A plantar fascia rupture can occur if the strain is too much for the tendon, this is a serious complication which can be treated with surgery.

Chronic pain

• cast boot may be used to reduce pain and inflammation
• steroid injections can be provide relief

Surgery may be the final option to release the tight, inflamed fascia.