Rina van der Merwe, Physiotherapist
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Definition:
Plantar = underside of foot / Fascia = band of connective tissue / -itis = inflammation of…
One of the most common
causes of heel pain. Inflammation of the
thick band (fascia) that runs under your foot – from the heel bone to the toes. The band acts like a shock absorbing
bowstring, supporting the arch in your foot.
If tension is too great on the band, small tears can develop in the
fascia.
Too much tension? –
usually from running/walking too far, too much, but not always. Can be age related or due to foot mechanics (too
high or too low foot bridge) or even work related (long periods on feet).
Symptoms:
Usually a gradual onset
of heel and foot pain over days, weeks or months. Stabbing pain under foot (usually heel). Worse first thing in the morning taking first
few steps. Painful after running – not
usually during run.
Treatment
options:
*Rest. (The quicker you identify this condition and
rest, the shorter the rest period will be.)
*Physiotherapy
can help alleviate pain, swelling.
*Strapping
to help support the foot arch while healing takes place.
*Foot
support e.g. insoles in shoes.
*Stretching
of shortened muscles e.g. calf and hamstring muscles.
* Cortisone injection or operation if
indicated.
Left
untreated?
Chronic heel and arch pain. May develop a heel spur which is a calcium
deposit causing a bony protrusion underneath the heel bone on the spot where
the plantar fascia originates from. This
is a result of chronic irritation and pull from the fascia on the heel bone.