What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Dorothy Ekua Adjabu Health Aug - 08 - 2014 , 13:42

Plantar Fasciitis arises when the large ligament - Plantar Fascia - on the bottom of the foot gets irritated and inflamed, more often than not at its point of insertion onto the heel bone.

The Plantar Fascia supports the arch of your foot. Hence, whenever it is strained, it may get weak, swollen and irritated, causing your heel or the bottom of your foot to hurt when you stand or walk. It may occur in one or both feet.

Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain which affects a large majority of individuals – including runners and other active individuals.

Individuals with heel pain characteristically report a sharp pain under their heel that may extend into the arch of the foot.

The pain is frequently worse when he/she stands after lying down or may also occur after a period of sitting i.e. for example pain occurs when the individual stands up after watching TV.

Even though the pain may diminish with activity, such as walking, it usually returns at the end of the day.

Plantar Fasciitis is a condition which usually develops slowly and, if untreated over time, may often worsen. Plantar Fasciitis can be an unbearable condition and it may require several months of rehabilitation because the chronic or persistent cycle of re-injury and pain may last for up to a year.

Risk factors/ causes

The most common cause of heel pain -Plantar Fasciitis - occurs when the Plantar Fascia (the flat band of tissue in the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes) is strained, causing weakness, inflammation and irritation.

Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the band of tissue which may lead to pain and swelling. It is generally observed in middle-aged and younger individuals who remain on their feet a lot or for prolonged periods of time.

It is essential to steer clear of running or walking in worn-out shoes because they may cause or aggravate foot problems.

Albeit shoes may look good, individuals may in reality be running out of cushion and shock absorption.

There are some additional factors that may put an individual at an increased risk of developing Plantar Fasciitis and these include,

•A tight Achilles tendon or calf muscle or a stiff ankle from a previous ankle sprain, which reduces ankle movement

•Middle-aged or Older – as the individual ages, the arch of the foot may begin to sag, thereby putting extra stress on the Plantar Fascia.

•A high or low arched foot – alteration in the arch of the foot changes the shock absorption ability and can stretch and strain the Plantar Fascia, which then has to absorb the additional force

•A work on hard surfaces and/or sports that places excessive stress on the heel bone and attached tissue.

•Feet which roll inward too much whenever you walk

•Being overweight -carrying around additional weight raises the strain and stress on your Plantar Fascia.

•Wearing shoes with poor support, that don't fit well or are worn out

•Having a job that requires a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces i.e. factory workers

•Weak foot arch muscles - Muscle weakness permits the Plantar Fascia to undergo undue stress and cause injury.

To be continued...

The writer is a Senior Physiotherapist at the 37 Military Hospital

panierus@live.com