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Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition of the plantar fascia (a band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes). This condition typically causes foot pain at the bottom of the heel which is worse first thing in the morning. Plantar fasciitis can result from a variety of mechanical dysfunctions which lead to increased strain on the plantar fascia. Over time, this strain leads to tissue breakdown resulting in inflammation and pain.
Nutrition also plays a role in plantar fasciitis. Deficiencies in nutrients that are important for connective tissue and muscle repair (such as protein, vitamins C and D and magnesium) or inflammatory diets (that are high in sugar and bad fats) can predispose to soft tissue injury such as plantar fasciitis. Successful treatment must manage the local symptoms, resolve the mechanical dysfunction leading to plantar fascia overload, and address any nutritional shortcomings.
Achilles Tendinitis / Tendinosis
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon of the body and it attaches the calf muscles to the heel. Acute or chronic overload of this tendon can result in tendinitis (inflammation) or tendinosis (degeneration). There are a number of factors that can play a role in the development of tendon injury:
- Recently starting or increasing the amount of running (or running related sports).
- Muscle imbalances or faulty movement patterns that place more stress on the Achilles.
- Structural dysfunction such as flat feet as this may put more pressure on the Achilles.
- Being overweight, which places extra load on the Achilles. Fat cells also release inflammatory chemicals perpetuating an inflammatory response.
- Nutrition – deficiencies in nutrients important for tendon repair can predispose to tendon injury.
Successful treatment must not only manage the local symptoms but also address the cause of tendon overload as well as other contributing factors.
An ankle sprain is a stretching injury to the ligaments of the foot and ankle. This usually affects the ligaments on the outside of the ankle and occurs as result of rolling the foot, most often when walking or running. The main symptoms of an ankle sprain are ankle and foot pain, swelling and localised heat. In more severe ankle sprains bruising may be visible and the patient may have difficulty walking. Successful treatment of ankle sprains usually involves a short period of rest, the restoration of pain-free movement through manual therapy and rehabilitative exercise. It is important to rehabilitate the ankle fully after injury. The ligaments of the ankle have many receptors that are important for the control of balance and stabilisation. These receptors are often damaged in an ankle sprain and returning to activity without proper re-stabilisation and restoration of balance will increase the risk of repeat injury.
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