Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition. It is an overuse injury which usually comes on gradually as you continue walking (or running etc).

The plantar fascia is a thick band of fascia which runs under the sole of the foot, from the heel bone (Calcaneus) to the forefoot. Its job is to support the arch of the foot.

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Pain under the heel, often to the inside of the heel and also often radiating into the sole of the foot.
• Pain is usually present on walking and palpation (pressing the area).
• Pain is often worst first thing in the morning, or on standing after long periods of rest.
• Pain often eases as walking continues, only to become painful again afterwards.

Plantar fasciitis is often confused with a heel spur, but these are two different things. A heel spur is a formation of  bone which protrudes under the heel. A heel spur can occur on its own, can be completely pain-free, or it can cause plantar fasciitis. Similarly, having plantar fasciitis, does not mean you have a heel spur.

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury and so can be caused by a number of factors. One of the most common contributors is tight calf muscles. If the muscles of the lower leg are tight, this causes increased overpronation (rolling in and flattening of the arch) which places extra stress on the fascia. PF can also be caused by the opposite foot condition, known as oversupination, where the foot rolls outwards and there is a high arch. This results in a very rigid foot which doesn’t mold to the floors surface, or absorb shock well.

Treating plantar fasciitis should centre around correcting the cause of the injury. If tight calf muscles are suspected, stretch them regularly every day to help improve flexibility. You may require new walking shoes/trainers with arch support if you overpronate, or alternatively some insoles or custom orthotics may be necessary in more severe cases.

Other treatments which can be used include massage to the fascia and calf muscles and acupuncture.

To learn more about plantar fasciitis visit sportsinjuryclinic.net