Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Plantar Fasciitis is classified as an overuse condition resulting in inflammation of the plantar fascia which results in tissue fatigue.
Plantar Fasciitis is located at the bottom of the foot and this condition can be both very painful and difficult to treat. Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of foot pain in athtletes. Most people with Plantar Fasciitis are over the age of 40 and very active athletically, however those at age 20 can experience Plantar Fasciitis as well. However almost anyone can be affected by Plantar Fasciitis whether young or old.

Plantar Fasciitis can occur from overtraining, poor techniques, or when running on hard surfaces for long periods of time.

Predisposing factors of Plantar Fasciitis

• Poor biomechanics
• Overweight
• Improper Footwear

Signs and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

• Plantar Fasciitis can be on one foot or both feet
• Symptoms can range from mild to severe. The pain tends to have a slow onset with no prior history or trauma
• Healing process can be slow as the Plantar fascia is poorly vascularized (poor or insufficient blood flow)
• Plantar Fasciitis can be very painful especially when waking from bed and placing your foot on the floor
• Pesplanus (flat foot), PesCavus (high arch) and Achilles tendinitis can be present as well

Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

• Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis is therapy to reduce muscle/ligament tension, reducing pain and inflammation if present
• Selected exercises to either stretch or strengthen those muscles that may be aggravating Plantar Fasciitis
• In many cases a custom made foot orthotic is recommended to help deal with the pain and discomfort of Plantar Fasciitis
• Custom orthotics can be made to include special cushions to help relieve the pain associated with Plantar Fasciitis
• In chronic plantar fasciitis or heel spurs Shockwave Therapy has been shown to be over 90% effective in eliminating this condition