Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is a painful condition caused by overuse of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that starts on the bottom surface of the heel and extend along the sole of the foot towards the five toes. The plantar fascia works like a rubber band between the heel and the ball of your foot to form the arch of your foot. A pad of fat in your heel covers the plantar fascia to help absorb the shock of walking.

The pain, associated with plantar fasciitis, is usually felt on the underside of the heel and is often worse first thing in the morning as the fascia tightens up overnight. As the condition becomes more severe the pain can get worse throughout the day if activity continues.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is common in sports which involve running, dancing or jumping. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include: overweight/obesity, excessive walking in footwear which does not provide adequate arch support, being flat-footed or having a high arch, and tight calf muscles.

Treatment

Rest as much as possible and stop any unnecessary activities which place additional stress on the fascia. Apply ice or cold therapy to help reduce pain and inflammation. Stretching the plantar fascia is an important part of treatment and prevention.