Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain and discomfort in the heel and arch of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, becomes inflamed or irritated. Occasionally the plantar fascial fibres may get degenerated and torn. As a result, the patient feels pain at the heel which is experienced as the first symptom after getting up from bed and standing in the morning. It affects females more than males and is usually encountered after the age of 45 years.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis typically develops due to repetitive strain and stress on the plantar fascia. Several factors can contribute to the development of this condition, including:
- Overuse or excessive physical activity, such as running or jumping, places repeated stress on the plantar fascia.
- Poor foot mechanics, such as flat feet or high arches, lead to abnormal load distribution on the foot.
- Improper footwear lacking arch support or cushioning increases strain on the plantar fascia.
- Obesity or sudden weight gain, adds extra pressure on the
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon, which can pull on the plantar fascia.
Signs and Symptoms
The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain, typically located at the heel or along the arch. The pain is often described as a sharp or stabbing sensation, especially upon taking the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Other clinical features may include:
- Pain and discomfort that worsens with prolonged standing, walking, or physical activity.
- Stiffness and limited flexibility in the foot.
- Tenderness and inflammation in the affected area.
- Gradual onset of symptoms that may persist for weeks or months.
- With prolonged conditions, patients feel fatigue in the whole of the foot.
Treating Plantar Fasciitis
The treatment of plantar fasciitis aims to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. While each case may require a personalized approach, common treatment options include:
- Rest and activity modification: Limiting or modifying activities that exacerbate symptoms can help reduce strain on the plantar fascia and promote healing.
- Ice therapy
- Footwear Modifications: Wearing shoes with proper arch support and cushioning can provide relief and prevent further strain on the plantar fascia.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the comprehensive management of plantar fasciitis. A physiotherapist can provide a tailored treatment plan to address the underlying causes, alleviate symptoms, and prevent recurrence. Physiotherapy interventions, such as manual therapy techniques, targeted exercises, biomechanical assessment, and patient education, can effectively reduce pain, improve foot mechanics, and prevent recurrence.
- Interventions: An ultrasound exam of the affected heel helps to identify and differentiate the cause of pain into inflammation or degeneration and tears in plantar fascia. Accordingly, treatment can be aimed at ultrasound-guided injections for pain relief which include a small quantity of steroid injected around the fascia or regenerative therapy consisting of PRP Injections into the torn or degenerated fascia. These are daycare procedures and help in quick and early recovery. Physiotherapy and stretching exercises post these injections help keep the patient symptom-free for a long time.
