Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis refers to pain along the heel or bottom of the foot. It is typically due to overuse and repetitive strain of the plantar fascia, leading to degeneration of collagen. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. Its primary purpose is to help support the arch and provide shock absorption while walking. Plantar fasciitis is often associated with, but not caused by, heel spurs. Despite its name, there are rarely inflammatory cells noted with plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain and typically occurs in middle-aged adults. It affects up to 10% of the general population. There are several risk factors that contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.
These risk factors include:
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis often appear gradually and worsen over time. Individuals may experience one symptom initially and more as the condition progresses.
Common symptoms include:
Physical therapy can help to assess the foot and ankle for common signs of plantar fasciitis Including decreased ankle range of motion, decreased foot and ankle strength, tightness in the calf muscles, and sharp pain to touch along the bottom of the foot. Treatment often includes activity modification, discussion of appropriate footwear, calf stretching, strengthening exercises for the foot and ankle, and hands-on treatment of the foot and ankle. Ice can also be a helpful tool for managing pain symptoms, especially in the morning.
Plantar fasciitis rarely requires surgical treatment. Some individuals receive cortisone injections to help reduce symptoms and may experience mixed results. It is common for people to need to perform a consistent home exercise program to help manage their symptoms long-term. Due to its chronic nature, plantar fasciitis may take weeks to months for symptom improvement and
resolution. If left untreated, people may begin to experience pain in the knees, hips, or lower back due to compensation patterns while walking or performing daily activities. Around 90% of individuals with plantar fasciitis are able to manage their symptoms with conservative treatment.
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain and typically occurs in middle-aged adults. It affects up to 10% of the general population. There are several risk factors that contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.
These risk factors include:
- Recent change in lifestyle or activity level
- Recent change in footwear
- Participation in endurance sports
- Prolonged standing
- High BMI
- Decreased ankle mobility and strength
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis often appear gradually and worsen over time. Individuals may experience one symptom initially and more as the condition progresses.
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp pain along the bottom of the foot, often near the heel
- Pain with standing and walking, especially first thing in the morning or after periods of sitting/immobility
- Pain when walking without shoes or on hard surfaces
- Pain may improve with activity, but can increase with high activity levels
Physical therapy can help to assess the foot and ankle for common signs of plantar fasciitis Including decreased ankle range of motion, decreased foot and ankle strength, tightness in the calf muscles, and sharp pain to touch along the bottom of the foot. Treatment often includes activity modification, discussion of appropriate footwear, calf stretching, strengthening exercises for the foot and ankle, and hands-on treatment of the foot and ankle. Ice can also be a helpful tool for managing pain symptoms, especially in the morning.
Plantar fasciitis rarely requires surgical treatment. Some individuals receive cortisone injections to help reduce symptoms and may experience mixed results. It is common for people to need to perform a consistent home exercise program to help manage their symptoms long-term. Due to its chronic nature, plantar fasciitis may take weeks to months for symptom improvement and
resolution. If left untreated, people may begin to experience pain in the knees, hips, or lower back due to compensation patterns while walking or performing daily activities. Around 90% of individuals with plantar fasciitis are able to manage their symptoms with conservative treatment.