Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. The plantar fascia is a thick band of fibrous connective tissue that attaches to the heel bone, runs across the bottom of the foot and fans out to connect at the base of each toe. It provides support for the arch of the foot, helps to lift the arch during normal walking and also acts as a shock absorber during walking and running.
Overuse of the plantar fascia, most commonly during weight-bearing athletics such as running or even extended periods of standing, can cause small, repetitive tears in the fibers that make up the fascia.
The resultant inflammation and swelling produces the pain of plantar fasciitis. Damage is most common in areas where the stress on the connective tissue is greatest and where the fascia is thinnest, as it curves around the back of the heel. Plantar fasciitis is particularly common in older people people because the heel fat pad that normally protects the plantar fascia in this region things with age. Patients with plantar fasciitis typically feel a sharp pain in the heel, particularly on rising in the morning and at the beginning of a walk or run, that may fade as they warm up. The pain may also occur with prolonged standing and is sometimes accompanied by stiffness.
DOS AND DON’TS
-NO BARE FEET! Walking barefoot offers no support to the plantar fascia and causes further inflammation and strain.
-STRETCH! There are several stretches that can be done to relieve pain caused by plantar fasciitis and improve flexibility.
-NO INJECTIONS! Steroid and anti-inflammatory injections only numb the pain temporarily but it returns when once the injections wear off.
-ORTHOTICS! The right orthotic can offer the proper support, protecting the plantar fascia from further injury.
-NO FLIP-FLOPS! Flip-flops do not have proper support for the arch of the foot and put further strain on the plantar fascia.
-WEAR PROPER FOOTWEAR! Wearing the right shoes is the most important part of preventing and alleviating pain caused by plantar fasciitis.