Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis

inflammation of the plantar fascia at the proximal insertion on the medial tubercle of the calcaneus

• excessive tension over time creates chronic inflammation and microtears at the proximal insertion of the plantar fascia

Etiology:

• associated with an acute injury from excessive loading of the foot or chronic irritation from an excessive amount of pronation or prolonged duration of pronation

• common in patients 40-60 years of age

Signs and symptoms:

• tenderness at the insertion of the plantar fascia

• presence of heel spur

• pain that is worse in the morning or after periods of prolonged inactivity

• difficulty with prolonged standing

• pain when walking in bare feet

Treatment:

• initially RICE, NSAIDs, and analgesics as needed

• heel cup

• massage using a tennis ball or rolling pin

• medial longitudinal arch taping

• joint mobilization

Prevention:

• heel cord stretching exercises

• use of appropriate soft-soled footwear

• avoiding sudden changes in the intensity of training programs

• orthotics may be used to minimize hyperpronation