The fibrous, thick, white connective tissue at the bottom of the foot is called the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the ligament that connects the heel and forefoot.
If the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, the condition is called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is most common in people with overpronation, commonly known as flatfootedness, but may also be caused by overuse, injury, or having high arches.
Since plantar fasciitis can be caused by overuse, people who do excessive amounts of running, walking, or standing are prone to this condition. People who walk or stand for their occupations are susceptible to plantar fasciitis. For this reason, plantar fasciitis used to be called policemen's heel.
The initial symptoms of plantar fasciitis are pain and discomfort at the heel which is called a stone bruise. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis gets progressively worse.
People who neglect to get treatment for the plantar fasciitis often have significant pain from this condition especially with the first few steps in the morning. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can cause the ligament tear.
Heel spurs can be caused by plantar fasciitis. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, part of it may pull away from the heel which triggers the formation of calcium deposits. Heel spurs are caused by these calcium deposits which form bony, hook-like projections.
Certain medical conditions can make a person more susceptible to developing plantar fasciitis. Diabetes and arthritis can cause significant problems with plantar fasciitis.
Women are at higher risk for developing plantar fasciitis. It is thought that the cause for this increased risk for women is the lack of support in many women's shoes. Wearing supportive shoes can help prevent plantar fasciitis.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis can include rest and special exercises to stretch the plantar fascia. The physician may prescribe the use of orthotics during the day and night splints to be worn overnight. Orthotics provide support to the plantar fascia, while night splints gently stretch the plantar fascia.
People with plantar fasciitis should avoid walking barefoot as this puts more stress on the plantar fascia. The doctor may recommend the use of the ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers when the condition is painful.
If the plantar fasciitis fails to improve, there is a surgical treatment called a plantar fascia release, but this is rarely done. The surgery for plantar fasciitis can cause significant complications such as fallen arches.
Do your feet a favor by looking into your diabetic foot care if you are foot having problems. And please seek any podiatrist for help if you have any foot pain. We have a free forum full of podiatrists, that give free foot health advice.
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