Plantar Fasciitus
Plantar Fasciitus is the most common cause of heel and arch pain. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot connecting the heel bone to the ball of the foot.
Excessive stretching of the tissue when walking and running causes small tears that result in pain and inflammation to the heel and arch of the foot. Plantar Fasciitus is most painful after your first steps in the morning or walking after a long period of rest. This is because the plantar fascia contracts and becomes stiff when no weight is being applied through your foot, then when you put weight through the foot the fascia is stretched suddenly which causes irritation. It is common for pain to return after long periods of walking & running. If left untreated Plantar Fasciitus can lead to painful heel spurs that are complex to treat.
Symptoms
- Pain in heels and/or in arches of feet
- Usually present following first steps in morning, or when walking after long periods of rest
- Can be present on one or both feet
Causes
- Flat feet, excessive rolling inward of feet
- High arches
- Changes in activity level (usually increase)
- Ageing
- High body weight
- Tight Calf Muscles
Treatments
- Foot Orthotics
- Icing
- Stretching
- Night splinting
- Supportive footwear
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