Plantar Fasciitis
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory disease that results in heel pain. It is common and caused by straining the plantar fascia, a ligament that supports the arch of your foot. Plantar fasciitis can be a debilitating condition, so if you are experiencing the symptoms associated with it, see a podiatrist, orthopaedic surgeon or GP to gain advice and treatment.
What are the causes for Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is caused by repeated strain on the ligament that supports your arch. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include having high arches or flat feet, excessive running on hard surfaces, being overweight, having tight calf muscles and having feet that roll inward too much when you walk or run (excessive pronation).
What are the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is characterised by heel pain when taking your first steps after sitting or lying for a long period of time. This pain may get better after taking a few steps, but is likely to get worse throughout the day. It may be exacerbated by climbing steps or standing on your toes. You may experience the pain at the beginning of a run; it often gets better during exercise but returns at the end.
How is Plantar Fasciitis treated?
Depending on your history and likely cause, different treatments will suit you better. One aspect of treatment may simply be resting your feet to minimise strain and allow recovery. Toe and calf stretches are often useful, especially when you first get up in the morning. Ice or ibuprofen may be useful to reduce swelling and pain. If these are not effective, your doctor may suggest steroid injection or possibly surgery.
