Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is a condition affecting the thin band of tissue on the underside or sole of the foot. This band of tissue lies between the skin and the muscles and helps to maintain the arch of the foot. It stretches from the heel bone to the bases of the toes.

It can be subjected to excessive amounts of stretch and as a result becomes damaged and inflamed. The condition is more common in the thirty to fify age range, commonly affecting runners and sportspeople.

Sufferers complain of pain on weight bearing and there is often tenderness at the site of injury. This can be anywhere along the length of the fascia but tends to be nearer the heel bone.

Treatment

Treatment involves physical therapy to reduce the inflammation and stimulate healing of the injured tissue. I have found ultrasound and massage techniques particularly helpful. Rest from aggravating factors is necessary. This may involve limiting even walking to begin with until the acute symptoms settle.

Should the inflammation fail to settle there may be the need for a specialist's opinion on whether an injection of local anaesthetic and cortico-steroid may be of help.

There may be need for the provision of an insole to support the medial arch of the foot as this can be compromised if the plantar fascia is severely damaged. The provision of an arch support can have a marked effect on the pain by limiting stretching of the tissue.

Once the inflammation has settled a progressive rehabilitation program back to full function can be resumed. This must be carefully monitored as there is a high incidence of re-occurrence, often due to over zealous athletes.

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