What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the bottom of the foot between the ball of the foot and the heel.
How does it occur?
Plantar fasciitis can be caused by:
Wearing high heels.
Increased walking, standing, or stair-climbing
Having flat feet or high arches
What are the symptoms?
Heel pain while walking is a primary symptom. Pain can also be present while standing, and even at rest. The pain is usually noticed first thing in the morning after getting out of bed and placing your feet flat on the floor. The plantar fascia is being stretched which causes the pain. The pain may lessen after walking for a prolong period, but can return after resting.
No pain occurs while you sleep because the fascia is shortened and relax while the foot rests.
How is it diagnosed?
The healthcare provider will ask you questions regarding your symptoms, and will assess if your heel is tender and if it is painful when stretching the bottom of your foot. An x-ray may be taken if needed.
How is it treated?
Give your heel plenty of rest. For severe pain, you may have to stay of your foot for several days.
Your physician may recommend/prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen or aspirin.
Ice your heel several times a day, 10-20 minutes at a time, and wait 2 hours between applications.
Cushion your heel by wearing athletic shoes or insert heel cushions in shoes.
An orthotic sole support can be specially molded for your foot. This is helpful if you have flat feet or high arches.
Physical therapy may be recommend by your physician. Therapy would include stretching the plantar fascia and strengthen the lower leg musculature.
Taping or splinting can be applied during physical therapy.
Another method of treatment is injection of cortisone in the heel.
Surgery is rarely necessary.