Help for Plantar Fasciitis

Does it feel like stepping on glass when you put weight on your foot? 

This condition could be plantar fasciitis.

What is plantar fasciitis? 

The plantar fascia is the thick band of connective tissue that spans the bottom of the foot, from the forefoot to the heel, and plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of this tissue.

How does plantar fasciitis happen?

During normal gait, the heel strikes the ground first, and as we shift our weight forward, we transfer it to the mid- and forefoot. As this shift from the rear to the forefoot occurs, the plantar fascia stretches and helps propel the body forward. When we put excessive strain on the foot, such as with poor footwear, prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces, or weight gain, to name a few, the plantar fascia becomes irritated and inflamed.

If this condition becomes prolonged, it can lead to heel spurs. This occurs because bone tends to deform along the lines of stress to which it is subjected. Therefore, excessive stress and the pulling force on the heel, where the plantar fascia attaches, can lead to a bone spur.

As with any health condition, when possible, it is best to identify the underlying cause. Discussing the patient’s history will often reveal factors such as poor footwear, recent weight gain, or excessive stress on the feet (e.g., running on pavement).  An examination will reveal biomechanical problems with the feet, ankle, knees, hips, or back.

What can be done about plantar fasciitis?

• Avoid the activities that caused the problem (e.g., running on pavement or wearing poor footwear).

• Stretching the plantar fascia, icing, and foot exercises.

• Wearing proper footwear and avoiding walking barefoot.

• Custom foot orthotics are often necessary and very helpful.

• Ultrasound, electric stimulation, and LASER therapy can help promote healing and reduce inflammation

• Soft-tissue manipulation techniques help to improve healing and reduce stress.

• A plantar fasciitis night splint may also be necessary. This helps maintain the plantar fascia in a stretched position at night during sleep, thereby promoting healing.

Plantar fasciitis can be quite painful and debilitating, so it is important to get it checked out as soon as possible. If you’re experiencing this type of pain, please don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment 519-258-8544.