Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue on the bottom of the foot spanning from the heel bone towards the base of the toes. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by the inflammation or degenerative process of that thick plantar fascia band¹. It is the most common cause of heel pain in adults². It commonly presents as a sharp throbbing pain on the bottom of the heels with initial steps in the morning or after long periods of rest.

Risk Factors

• Increasing age
• Obesity
• Abnormal foot mechanics
• Excessive standing or activities

Treatment

• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Oral medications for pain relief
• Sports taping
• Custom foot orthotics
• Supportive shoes
• Night splints
• Cold laser therapy
• Corticosteroid injections

References

1. Lemont H, Ammirati KM, Usen N. Plantar fasciitis: a degerative process (fasciosis) without inflammation. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2003;93(3): 234-237.
2. Martin JE, Hosch JC, Goforth WP, Murff RT, Lynch DM, Odom RD. mechanical treatment of plantar fasciitis. A prospective study. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2001; 91(2):55-62.