Plantar Fasciitis

Definition

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the long band of connective tissue running from the heel to the ball of the foot. Heel spur syndrome is a bony overgrowth on the heel bone. Plantar fasciitis and heel spur syndrome affect women more than men. They can cause the bottom of the heel and arch to become painful.

Statistics

• Plantar fasciitis and heel spur syndrome are the most common causes of plantar heel pain.
• 73% of patients with heel pain are diagnosed with either plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome.
• 15% of patients who see a podiatrist complain of heel pain.
• 90% of those who suffer from plantar faciitis or heel spur syndrome respond to non-surgical care.
• 83.5% of the patients with plantar fasciitis or heel spur experience pain with first steps in the morning.
• Plantar fasciitis can occur with or without a heel spur present.

Causes

• Stretching the long band of tissue that connects the heel and the ball of the foot
• Muscle imbalance
• Bone deformity
• Obesity
• Trauma
• Tightness of the muscles on the back of the leg

What can you do?

• Warm up and stretch properly before exercise
• Wear appropriate shoe gear
• RICE – rest, ice, compression and elevation

What might the podiatrist do?

• Perform a physical examination
• Perform X-ray evaluation
• Perform taping and strapping
• Prescribe orthotics
• Prescribe appropriate medication
• Administer injections
• Perform surgery if necessary
• Instruct in appropriate exercise

Heel Pain Animations

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