WHAT IS IT AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
It is one of the more common causes of heel pain. It is an inflammation of a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs across the bottom of you foot and connects your heel to your toes. The patient commonly feels a stabbing pain first thing in the morning in the heel area of the foot when he/she takes the first step. It can get better as the day goes by but after resting a while the pain is back. It is more common in runners, overweight patients and people that ware shoes without proper arch support.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
Normally, your plantar fascia acts like a shock-absorbing bowstring, supporting the arch in your foot. Tension and stress on that bowstring can become too great and small tears can arise in the fascia. Repeated stretching and multiple tears can cause the fascia to become irritated, inflamed and sore. However in many cases of plantar fasciitis, the cause isn't clear.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?
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Age. It is more common in the 40 to 60 y/o age group
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Certain types of exercise that place great stress on the heel and tissues attached. This include running, ballet, aerobic dance and jumping.
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Obesity. Being overweight can put a lot of stress on the plantar fascia.
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Occupation. Those that require you being on you feet constantly during the day specially on a hard surface.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS?
Letting plantar fasciitis go unchecked for a long time can lead to chronic heel pain that hinders your regular activities. Additionally changing the way you walk to avoid the pain can lead to ankle, knee, hips or back problems.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
The history and a physical exam is usually enough. It is important to locate the area of tenderness.
ARE IMAGING STUDIES NEEDED?
Usually not, however if the doctor has any concerns he may order and MRI or x-ray but, since he may want to rule out a fracture or check for bone spurs.
WHAT IS THE BEST AND MOST EFFECTIVE TREATMENT?
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