Do you have foot pain? Do you think you have plantar fasciitis?
Hi everyone, Dr. Lawless here and today I will be discussing Plantar Fasciitis. This is a relatively common condition in the foot that impacts about 1 in 10 people, so you probably won’t be the only person you know that will experience it.
What is plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is connective tissue that supports multiple joints and bones in the foot to help the foot and ankle function normally and support weight with standing, walking, running, and sport movements.
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation and thickening of the plantar fascia (connective tissue) located on the bottom of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis affects about 10% of the population and usually affects middle-aged actively working people.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Symptoms include pain usually located at the inside part or bottom part of the foot and ankle that can be worse in the morning or with excessive walking or activity.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Muscle imbalances and weakness in the foot and ankle can lead to additional stress and pulling of the connective tissue that helps stabilize the foot and ankle. This extra stress causes thickening and inflammation and can lead to pain. Flat feet can also lead to extra stress on the plantar fascia.
How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?
This condition is usually diagnosed by the patient’s history of the symptoms and a physical exam in the medical office. Imaging, including x-rays and ultrasound, can be used to aid in the diagnosis. X-rays may demonstrate a bone spur of the heel that represents excessive tension on the heel bone. Ultrasound can identify if the plantar fascia is thickened as a result of excessive tension and stress.
How do you treat plantar fasciitis?
Treatment includes fixing muscle weaknesses and muscle imbalances through strengthening and stability exercises. Arch supports can provide additional support to improve symptoms. Icing, light massage, and stretching may also help. If these treatments do not resolve symptoms other nonsurgical treatments include injections (corticosteroid versus platelet rich plasma) and shockwave therapy.