What is Plantar Fasciitis?
By definition, plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that originates at the bottom of the heel bone and runs the length of your foot and attaches at the toes.
What are symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
Patients with plantar fasciitis complain of a stabbing, sharp pain to the heel. This is often worse with first steps in the morning and after periods of being sedentary. The pain may decrease after a couple of steps but will return with increased activity throughout the day.
What causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Causes of plantar fasciitis include activities of repetitive motion including: running, jumping walking or prolonged standing. In addition, inflexibility in the achilles tendon may lead to plantar fasciitis. Improper shoe gear and lack of support can be a contributor.
How do you treat Plantar Fasciitis?
Treatment for plantar fasciitis includes stretching of the achilles tendon and plantar fascia, wearing proper supportive shoes and orthotics, and using a night splint for a passive stretch. In some cases, a corticosteroid injection or oral steroid medication may be necessary. At Healthy Feet Podiatry, other treatments are available such as: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Superpulse therapy and surgical intervention.