Summary
- An overuse injury that affects the sole of the foot. Symptoms include severe pain in the heel after the first few steps out of bed in the morning, or when standing up after sitting for long periods of time. Pain subsides while walking, but returns after spending long periods of time on your feet.
How did I get this?
- Low arched foot, abnormal strain caused by long hours on the feet, unsupportive shoes, and obesity are factors in developing this condition. Other causes include an underlying inflammatory condition, bone disease, infection, stress fracture, and nerve entrapment.
What can I do about it?
- Rest.
- Ice application and massage with a golf ball.
- Calf Stretches.
- Wear supportive footwear.
- Avoid going barefoot.
- Short term anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen) decrease inflammation and relieve the pain.
What help can I get for this?
- Podiatrist may prescribe padding and strapping to soften the impact of walking, support the foot and reduce strain on the fascia. This may be followed by orthotic devices to correct underlying structural abnormalities. Dry needling, foot mobilisation and extracorporeal shockwave therapy have been found to be effective.
- Podiatrist may prescribe a night splint to maintain an extended stretch of the plantar fascia while sleeping, reducing the morning pain experienced by some patients.
- Your Doctor may advise injection therapy to help reduce the inflammation and relieve pain.
- If after several months of non-surgical treatment you continue to have heel pain, surgery may be considered.
When will it get better?
- No matter what kind of treatment you undergo for plantar fasciitis, the underlying causes that led to this condition may remain. Therefore, you will need to continue with preventive measures. Wearing supportive shoes, stretching, and using custom orthotic devices are the mainstay of long-term treatment for plantar fasciitis.
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