| How It Happens |
| Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of the dense fibrous sheath of the sole of the foot; running from the heel, crossing the ball of the foot (plantar fascia). The fascia absorbs shock, adapts to the foot to changes in terrain and facilitates foot push off. |
 Black=Bone
Blue=Fascia
Green=Pain |
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| Symptoms |
Pain:
There is tenderness on the inside bottom of the heel. There may also be diverse discomfort over rest of heel into the arch. Symptoms often occur only on one side. Morning pain and stiffness is frequent as well as pain on standing after prolonged rest.
Early stage:
Pain after activity
Middle stage:
Pain during activity.
Late stage:
Pain at rest.
Swelling:
Swelling is usually non apparent, but some puffiness can be observed in severe cases.
X-Rays:
About 20% of population has heel spurs without symptoms. Up to 75% of people with heel pain have heel spurs. |
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| What Causes It? |
- Flat feet (excessive pronation)
- High arches (excessive supination)
- Leg length discrepancy
- Training errors such as increase in mileage, frequency, intensity, change of footwear, terrain, running
up hills
- Recent impact trauma
- Calf muscle shortening
- Skeletal biomechanical problems
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| Why Does It Hurt? |
There is either too much flexibility or too much rigidity in the foot. Both conditions result in localized inflammation at the heel that is "squeezed out" with weight bearing.
At night or rest, inflammation in absorbed into the area, pushing on sensitive nerve endings. The first morning steps are very painful and stiff until the inflammation is squeezed out and scar tissue is stretched. Once the inflammation and scarring are present they are difficult to remove. The longer the condition runs its course without intervention, the more difficult it is to rehabilitate. |
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| What Should You Do? |
- Icing will help decrease the inflammation and the pain
- Ensure that you have appropriate footwear for your activities
- Make sure you stretch properly before and after each activity
- Establish an accurate activity history and implement modified active rest with
non-weight bearing activities such as swimming or biking
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| Will Physiotherapy Help Me? |
A physiotherapist will assess your condition and determine the origin of your pain. Your treatment plan will address both the local symptoms such as pain and inflammation as well as the cause of your pain (see causes above).
If you have developed this problem through a specific activity, your physiotherapist can review your technique and make recommendations to avoid injury.
You will also be given an exercise program that will include proper stretching and strengthening to reduce your symptoms, correct your problem and avoid further re-injury.
To learn more about how you can access and benefit from our services, please contact us today!
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