What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is the most common form of heel pain and is caused by injury of the fascia band which links the heel bone to the base of the toes and provides stability to the foot. Additionally, the plantar fascia acts as a shock absorber for the foot, cushioning load as we move. This is not a condition that should ignored, it can result in chronic heel pain which would impact on your regular activities. In addition, due to the pain you experience you are likely to walk in a different way which may to problems in your foot, knee, hip or back over time.
Why have I got Plantar Fasciitis?
Whilst anyone can have plantar fasciitis, the most common age group for this condition are those between 40 – 60 years of age. In essence, it occurs when there is too much pressure on this band of tissue running underneath your foot. The most common reasons for developing plantar fasciitis are:
- Recent changes in activity such as a new job involving more standing, or starting running
- Wearing unsupportive footwear or change in footwear
- Flat feet or high arches
- Tight muscles in the back of your leg
- Being overweight
- People with medical conditions such as diabetes may be more likely to develop plantar fasciitis
How can you treat Plantar Fasciitis?
The most effective form of treatment for plantar fasciitis are:
- Prescribed exercises by your podiatrist to stretch the plantar fascia, the Achilles tendon and to develop the calf muscle
- Extracorporeal Shockwave therapy to stimulate the recovery of the plantar fascia
- Bespoke orthotics which will help manage the mechanics of the foot and distribute the loading more effectively in order to reduce stress into the plantar fascia and help prevent re-injury
- Activity modification
- Footwear advice
- Taping and braces
- In very painful cases patient may benefit from a period of time in a special boot or Ultrasound guided Cortisone/steroid injection is used in some instances in order to decrease the inflammation
