Plantar Fasciitis

Overview

Usually associated with long periods of weight bearing or sudden changes in the level of weight you are bearing, plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition of the foot. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis may become a chronic condition and you may not be able to maintain your normal level of activity.
Because of the pain associated with plantar fasciitis, you'll want to see a doctor at the FHCH Sports Medicine Program. The sports medicine specialists here will be able to diagnose your injury and recommend a regimen of treatment and rehabilitation that will return you to your peak level of performance.

Plantar Fasciitis Causes

Causes of plantar fasciitis include:

• Being overweight.
• Having a job that requires a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces.
• Overuse, including walking and running.
• Tight calf muscles that limit how far you can flex your ankles.
• Flat feet or tight arches.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Women are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis more than men. The condition starts gradually with a feeling of mild pain at the heel bone. It is often referred to as a "stone bruise" and you're more likely to feel it after exercise, not during it. The pain returns during the midday lunch break.

Failing to treat plantar fasciitis can cause it to become a chronic condition. You may find it difficult to keep up your level of activity and you may also develop symptoms of foot, knee, hip and back problems because plantar fasciitis can change the way you walk.

Treatment

Treatments for plantar fasciitis are non-surgical. They include:

• Plenty of rest. Try to keep weight off of your foot until the inflammation subsides.
• Apply ice to the sore region for 20 minutes three to four times a day to relieve the symptoms.
• Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) as directed.
• Use shock-absorbing soles or shoes outfitted with standard orthotics.
• Tape the region in a position that provides relief.
• If you still have symptoms after two months, you may want to ask the doctor to inject your heel with steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (corticosteroid).
• If you still have symptoms after two months, you may need to wear a walking cast for two to three weeks or a positional splint when you sleep.

Surgery is not required for plantar fasciitis.

If you have questions about plantar fasciitis or want to make an appointment with us, please contact one of our Patient Care Coordinators and they'll be happy to help you.