The Facts on Plantar Fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition affecting the bottom of the foot. This condition is fairly common and can last months or years-or it may be intermittent throughout ones life.

The plantar fascia is a flat ligament that stretches from the heel to the toes. It is mainly responsible for supporting the arch of the foot.

If the plantar fascia is strained, either by everyday use or athletics, it becomes swollen and inflamed.

Those more likely to develop plantar fasciitis include women, the overweight, athletes (particularly those that have tight calf muscles because this restricts the ankles from flexing properly), and those whose jobs keep them on their feet. Flat feet, high arches, or improperly fitting shoes also help to contribute to this painful condition.

When a person develops planter fasciitis the first thing they will notice is extreme pain in the bottom of the foot or the heel when they first stand or walk. Not every patient will experience this pain upon rising-others may notice it when they first attempt an activity. The pain is usually felt in the front or bottom of the heel. The pain may ease as the day goes on, or instead, pain may increase with use.

X-rays, or other tests, are usually not used to determine the presence of plantar fasciitis. However, an orthopedist or podiatrist may request diagnostic testing to rule out any other more severe cause of the heel pain. If plantar fasciitis is not treated it may lead to larger problems in the skeletal structure. Improper use of the foot when walking can cause hip and back problems to develop as a consequence.

There are many treatment options available for plantar fasciitis. They include rest, arch support or orthotics to be worn inside the shoes, stretching and strengthening exercises, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen. More advanced treatments include night splints to stabilize the ankle while sleeping, steroid injections, and surgery.

plantar fasciitis