Plantar fasciitis (PF) occurs along the plantar fascia. It affects the medial tuberosity of calcaneus or along the medial aspect of the fascia. Around 2 million Americans annually receive treatment for plantar fasciitis . One of the biggest risk group is joggers. Condition most often occurs with sudden changes in pressure (stress) on their feet (from light exercises to heavy training). The same is for people who gain weight during the short period of time (for instance pregnant women). Any increase in body weight placed on the fascia may result in plantar fasciitis.

Some recent data suggest that flip-flops can cause plantar fasciitis because of lack of arch support. That is why physicians and physical therapist observe the increasing number of plantar fasciitis at the end of the summer.

There are few predisposed factors as:

• High-arched, rigid (not conductive to stretchening) foot
• Repeated overload to fascia (running)
• Sudden increase in body weight (including pregnant women)
• Sudden increase in activity level
• Improper equipment (footwear)
• Activity on unyielding surfaces (artificial turf, gravel roads)

Plantar fasciitis is characterized by tears in plantar fascia, which in the layer of tissue supporting the arch of the foot.

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms

The pain starts as dull at the anterioinferior aspect of the medial tubercle of the calcaneous. During the time it is progressing to sharp chronic pain. Most of patients say that the pain is worse when they first get up in the morning and alleviates with Plantar fascia stretches. The pain is usually becomes better during the day or with activity.

It seems to be that spurs may cause this condition, but recent studies do not prove these. A lot of people with X-ray confirm spurs don’t suffer from plantar fasciitis . The reason that plantar fasciitis often associates with spurs might be because of irritation of the fascia near the heel spurs

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Treatment for plantar fasciitis includes rest from physical activity for at least 8-12 weeks.

Ice – 10 minutes after physical activity and before bedtime.

Orthotics – devices such as rubber heel cups, elastic heel inserts can provide relief for plantar fasciitis.

Splints can provide relieve from plantar fasciitis , but it usually takes more then 12 weeks.

Taping – this technique provide changes in patients biomechanics. Taping holds the foot in neutral position and protect the plantar fascia form constant irritation.

Exercises (stretching) provide the flexibility of the foot and speed up the healing.

Nonpharmacologic treatment includes weight loss, reduction of joint loading, rest and ice.

Physical therapy combines manual therapy, electrical stimulation, UltraSound and Laser to reduce pain, inflammation and stimulate healing.

During treatment people have to avoid running on heels, sprinting and jumping as well as weight training activities.

 

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