What Plantar Faciitis Is:
Plantar fasciitis is a disorder that affects the thick tissue that surround the muscles and bones of the foot, leading to irritation and swelling. It can lead to tissue damage and deterioration. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common disorders in the feet of adults.
What Plantar Fasciitis Feels Like:
One of the first symptoms of plantar fasciitis is usually heel pain. For some, it is worse in the morning and improves throughout the day. For others, heel pain may increase with activities such as walking or long periods of standing. Plantar fasciitis also may cause the foot to feel stiff, and is often worse when standing on the toes.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis:
Plantar fasciitis is most common in adult men, and can be caused by extensive running, a tight Achilles tendon or tight calf muscles, obesity or a sudden weight gain, or other pre-existing problems in the arches of the feet.
Diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis:
If your physician suspects you have plantar fasciitis, he will perform a physical exam of the feet that includes assessing any swelling, redness or heel tenderness. He may ask you to perform a number of activities, including standing on your toes, to rule out other potential causes of your heel pain. You may also undergo a scan or two, such as an X-ray.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment:
Plantar fasciitis can be treated conservatively through a series of anti-inflammatory medications, heel stretches (often under the supervision of a physical therapist), heel splints or shoe inserts. Rest also plays a crucial role in plantar fasciitis treatment, as many problems are caused by athletic activities. You may also be “prescribed” to wear shoes with better, more cushioned support.
If conservative treatment fails, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid injections. In severe cases, surgery may be required to release the fascia. Plantar fasciitis treatment may take anywhere from six to 18 months to work.
Sources:
Medline Plus. Plantar Fasciitis. Accessed 10/6/09. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007021.htm
Young Craig C, Rutherford Darin S and Niedfeldt Mark W. Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. American Family Physician. Feb 1, 2001.
