Plantar Fasciitis
Definition
Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation caused by excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, attaching at the bottom of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extending to the forefoot. When the plantar fascia is excessively stretched, this can cause plantar fasciitis, which can also lead to heel pain, arch pain, and even heel spurs.
Cause
The excessive stretching of the plantar fascia that leads to the inflammation and discomfort is most commonly caused by over-pronation (flat feet). Over-pronation occurs in the walking process, when a person’s arch collapses upon weight bearing, causing the plantar fascia to be stretched away from the calcaneus (heel bone). Other causes can include: a foot with an unusually high arch, a sudden increase in physical activity, excessive weight on the foot, usually attributed to obesity or pregnancy, or even improperly fitting footwear.
With Plantar Fasciitis, the bottom of your foot usually hurts near the inside of the foot where the heel and arch meet. The pain is often acute either first thing in the morning or after a long rest, because while resting the plantar fascia contracts back to its original shape. As the day progresses and the plantar fascia continues to be stretched, the pain can subside gradually.
Treatment and Prevention
The key for the proper treatment of Plantar Fasciitis is determining what is causing the excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. When the cause is over-pronation (flat feet), an orthotic with rearfoot posting and longitudinal arch support is an effective device to reduce the over-pronation and allow the condition to heal. If you have very high arches, which can also lead to plantar fasciitis, cushioning the heel, absorbing shock and wearing proper footwear will increase comfort of the foot. Other common treatments include stretching exercises, wearing orthotic sandals or wearing shoes that have arch support and cushioned heels to absorb shock.
Every time your foot strikes the ground, the plantar fascia is stretched. You can reduce the strain and stress on the plantar fascia by avoiding running on hard or uneven ground, losing any excess weight, and wearing shoes and orthotics that support your arch to prevent overstretching of the plantar fascia.
If the problem persists, consult your foot doctor.
