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Plantar Fasciitis
about plantar fasciitis
how to tape your feet
shoes that relieve heel pain
rehabilitation
Biomechanics
choosing a walking shoe
choosing a running shoe
knee pain & foot
pronation
iliotibial band syndrome
Common Conditions
blisters
bunions
corns & calluses
neuroma
Health & Prevention
heel pain in youngsters
foot support during pregnancy
foot prep for distance running
orthotic foot supports
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Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Spur
Syndrome
Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia.
The plantar fascia is a tight band of tissue on the bottom
of the foot which extends from the heel bone to the base of
the toes. It acts as a bowstring to prevent collapse of the
arch, dissipate shock, provide stability to the joints, and
restore spring in your step. Impact, injury, overuse, abnormal
foot structure or function put strain on the plantar fascia
with resulting pain on weight-bearing at the heel or into
the arch. Prolonged repetitive stress can develop heel spurs. |
FootGuru's Solution
Footsprings™
help relieve plantar fasciitis
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Conservative treatment such as athletic taping, proper shoes, arch
support and use of the Footspring™
available from FootGuru are designed to support the foot like adhesive
tape and can provide comfort, protection, relief, and prevent recurrence
of this disabling condition. Properly applied tape
support, is the best immediate care for relief of plantar fasciitis.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
If sufficient impact, strain or pressure is exerted on the
bottom of the foot, the fascia may stretch or develop micro-tears.
Although plantar fasciitis seldom comes from one specific injury,
five main causes can be identified:
- A sudden turn or impact that exerts great pressure within
the tissues of the bottom of the feet.
- Shoe without adequate support for the arch, especially
in people with rigid or high-arched feet.
- Shoes with very stiff soles; flexion is required at toe-off
during activities and this increases stress on the plantar
fascia.
- Feet that pronate excessively – when the feet flatten
and roll inward during walking or running and when added
tension is put on the plantar fascia the foot spreads out.
- Increased stress on the plantar fascia from excessive
weight gain
- High-impact sports, such as running, aerobics, basketball,
or tennis without adequate foot support.
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Diagnosis
There is pain with pressure over the plantar fascia at the heel
bone. There may be swelling and inflammation. The pain is usually
noticeable when getting out of bed in the morning. It gets worse
with activity and better with rest.
X-rays may show a bony spur arising from the surface of the heel
at the site where the plantar fascia is attached. This is an adaptive
response of the body and the surface of the bone may become inflamed.
Note: Heel and arch pains may be caused by other
medical conditions and may require additional diagnostic tests.
Treatment
Treatment for plantar fasciitis includes rest, biomechanical treatment
such as the correct shoes, tape support,
Achilles tendon stretching, and physical therapy; medical treatment
such as anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone, acupuncture, and; surgery
which includes release of the plantar fascia and removal of the
heel spur. A more complete publication written by Dr. Hlavac on
conservative care for Plantar Fasciitis
is available on this website.
Dr. Ralph Dye, Podiatrist, developed classical taping methods to
support the major functional joints of the foot; the sub-talar
and mid-tarsal joints (The Low Dye strap)
and the ankle joint (High Dye Strap). Low Dye* tape support, properly
applied is the best immediate care for relief of plantar fasciitis.
Learn more: Redefining
Plantar Fasciitis by Dr. Harry Hlavac.
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