Got Heel Pain?

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of localized heel pain and is the most common foot problem seen in medical practices. More than 2.5 million new cases of plantar fasciitis are reported each year.

Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament structure that supports the arch of the foot. The plantar fascia is a tough, fibrous band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot. It plays an important part in the normal foot mechanics during walking and running.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is strained as a result of increased or over activity, poor foot biomechanics, or in association with the normal aging process. The ligament is typically strained repeatedly, over time before the onset of plantar fasciitis. As the ligament stretches beyond its normal extension it causes the soft tissues of the fascia to tear, usually at the point where attached to the heel bone. This leads to inflammation, heel pain, and possible growth of a bone spur (calcaneus) at the heel bone attachment.


Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

In active young and middle aged adults plantar fasciitis is typically caused from running, jumping or walking on hard surfaces. Runners, tennis players and basketball players are often affected by plantar fasciitis. Biomechanic factors of the foot can cause plantar fasciitis. People will high arches, flat feet, or tight tendons (Achilles tendons) are susceptible to developing plantar fasciitis. Excessive inward twisting (pronation) can cause tension on the plantar fascia as the arch lowers during standing or walking. Aggravating factors, such as being overweight or wearing poorly cushioned shoes with no arch support can also contribute to development of plantar fasciitis. In the natural aging process tendons, ligaments and muscles start to lose their normal elasticity and resilience making them more prone to strain just during normal daily activities. Plantar fasciitis is very common in the active elderly.

Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis:
1. Increased or athletic activity
2. Running, jumping, walking or standing on hard or uneven surfaces
3. Flat feet or high arched, rigid feet
4. Poor supporting shoes
5. Large weight gain, pregnancy or overweight
6. Tight plantar fascia ligament or Achilles tendon
7. Normal aging

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Generally the first tell-tale sign of plantar fasciitis is heel pain during the first steps after getting out of bed or sitting for a long period of time. The degree of heel pain can sometimes lessen with activity, leading to a false sense of relief. The pain often returns after prolonged rest or extensive walking. Pain often progresses if the condition is left untreated and can become excruciating and persistent as the ligament is more severely strained. Heel pain is usually located on the medial (inside) area of the heel.

Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis:
1. Starts as a dull, intermittent heel pain or arch pain, progressing to a sharp, persistent pain.
2. A sharp, piercing pain and/or inflammation through heel and foot that usually occurs in the morning or after resting and gradually disappears with walking.
3. Tightness in calf muscles or Achilles tendon.
4. Noticeable heel pain after long periods of standing or walking.
5. Heel pain worsens when climbing stairs or standing on the toes.
6. Heel pain lessens with activity but returns during rest.