What is it?
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain and is an overuse injury. It is an accumulation of damage to the connective tissue making up the plantar aponeurosis at its insertion on the heel bone. Despite being deisgnated as an "-itis" it may not include any inflammation at the site. Pain is generally located at the posterior and medial aspect of heel.
Possible Causes:
- Plantar fasciitis can be found in both rigid and hyper mobile feet.
- During pronation and supination the tension on the plantar fascia is increased which can cause damage to the tissue during prolonged use.
- Obesity or sudden weight gain
- Improper shoe fitting
- Occupations with prolonged standing/walking
- A sudden increase in activity intensity, time or type
- Sub calcaneal spur
- Diabetes
- Tight and/or weak muscles of the lower leg
- Heel pain at the attachement site of the plantar fascia
- Pain is worse in the morning or after periods of rest
- Pain with dorsiflexion of foot and toes
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
- Plantar Faciosis
Solutions:
- Modification of activity based on symptoms
- Stretching and mobility for the lower leg
- Manual Therapy
Products:
- Insoles (Superfeet, Currex, Powerstep, etc.)
- Myofascial release tools (foam roller/stick, massage guns, etc.)
- The Strassburg Sock depending on causative factors
- Compression socks
- Heel cups may relieve some pain symptoms
Resources and further information:
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