Plantar fasciitis pain in leg. Plantar Fasciitis: Effective Treatment and Prevention Strategies for Lasting Relief
What is plantar fasciitis? How can it be treated and prevented effectively? Get detailed insights and practical steps to address this common foot condition and find lasting relief.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: The Causes and Symptoms
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain and discomfort, particularly in the heel and bottom of the foot. The root cause of this ailment is the degenerative tearing of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes.
Several risk factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, including obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, wearing poorly-supportive shoes, having flat or high arches, and rapidly increasing physical activity. Tight calf muscles are also a common culprit, as they can strain the attachment of the calf muscles to the heel bone and the plantar fascia.
The primary symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Pain on the bottom of the foot, near the heel
- Increased pain with the first few steps after getting up in the morning or after a long rest, which typically fades as you walk
- Greater foot pain after exercise, rather than during the activity
Differentiating Plantar Fasciitis from Heel Spurs
It’s important to distinguish plantar fasciitis from another common foot condition: heel spurs. Heel spurs are calcium deposits that develop on the back of the heel bone, near where the plantar fascia inserts. While they often occur in people with tight calf muscles, just like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs do not necessarily cause the same type of heel pain.
According to Dr. L. Daniel Latt, an orthopedic surgeon and foot and ankle specialist, “Many people can have heel spurs without any symptoms. So, if you have pain on the bottom of the heel, plantar fasciitis is most likely to blame.”
Effective Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis
The good news is that plantar fasciitis is typically easy to treat, with a focus on non-surgical, at-home remedies. Your healthcare provider will likely start by examining your foot and ruling out other potential causes of heel pain, such as Achilles tendonitis or stress fractures.
Once a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is confirmed, the typical treatment plan includes:
- Calf and plantar fascia stretching exercises
- Gel heel pads to cushion the injured area
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Night splints to keep the plantar fascia stretched out
- Over-the-counter shoe insoles, arch supports, or heel cups
- Custom orthotics, if necessary
According to Dr. Latt, “With this simple prescription, 90% of patients with plantar fasciitis will get better in three to six months.”
Preventing the Recurrence of Plantar Fasciitis
The best way to manage plantar fasciitis is to focus on prevention. Here are some effective strategies to help prevent the condition from coming back:
- Wear supportive, well-cushioned shoes
- Consider using shoe inserts or orthotics for additional support
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the feet
- Engage in low-impact activities like walking, biking, swimming, and yoga
- Stretch the foot and calf muscles daily
By taking these proactive steps, you can help reduce the risk of developing plantar fasciitis or experiencing a recurrence of the condition.
Stretching Exercises for Plantar Fasciitis Relief
Stretching the calf muscles and plantar fascia is a crucial part of the treatment and prevention of plantar fasciitis. To stretch your calf muscles, follow these steps:
- Stand an arm’s length from a wall and place your hands on the wall.
- Position your left foot behind your right, keeping both feet flat on the ground.
- Gently lean forward, keeping your back straight, until you feel a stretch in your calf muscle.
- Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, then repeat with the opposite leg.
- Perform this stretch several times a day, especially in the morning and after any physical activity.
Incorporating these simple stretching exercises into your daily routine can help alleviate the pain and prevent the recurrence of plantar fasciitis.
Prioritizing Foot Health for Long-Term Relief
Plantar fasciitis can be a frustrating and persistent condition, but with the right approach, you can find lasting relief and prevent further episodes. By understanding the root causes, seeking appropriate treatment, and implementing effective prevention strategies, you can take control of your foot health and get back to your active lifestyle.
Remember, the key to managing plantar fasciitis is to address the problem proactively and consistently. By prioritizing foot health and incorporating the strategies outlined in this article, you can successfully overcome this common foot condition and enjoy pain-free movement.
Steps to Treat and Prevent Plantar Fasciitis| Banner Health
Have your mornings been starting off on the wrong, painful foot? Stabbing pain in your foot first thing in the morning wasn’t the wakeup call you were hoping for.
It’s not uncommon to have achy joints and muscles in the morning as you get older. However, if your first steps in the morning include shooting pains in the heel of your foot, you may be one of nearly 2 million people who suffer from plantar fasciitis each year.
Don’t let plantar fasciitis set you on the wrong path. Learn more about this common condition and ways you can treat it and prevent it from reoccurring.
What is plantar fasciitis?
“The source of this heel pain is degenerative tearing of a thick band of tissue that attaches the heel of your foot to your toes called the plantar fascia,” said L. Daniel Latt, MD, PhD, an orthopedic surgeon and foot and ankle specialist with Banner Health in Tucson, AZ. “When this band of tissue becomes overloaded and starts tearing, you develop plantar fasciitis. ”
The plantar fascia is typically tough enough to handle everything we put our feet through. But sometimes stress on the plantar fascia is too much, which leads to inflammation and pain on the bottom of your feet. It is common among runners and athletes but can also affect anyone who stands for long periods of time.
Other risk factors that can cause plantar fasciitis include:
- Obesity
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Wearing shoes with poor support or cushioning
- Having abnormally low (flat feet) or high arches
- Increasing physical activity too quickly
- Having tight calf muscles
“Typically, plantar fasciitis is caused by a tightness in your calf muscles,” Dr. Latt said. “When the calf muscles are too tight, the ankle can’t bend far enough. This strain goes into the attachment of the calf muscles onto the heel bone and then into the attachment from the heel bone into the plantar fascia.”
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Pain on the bottom of your foot near your heel
- Pain for a few steps after getting up in the morning or after a long rest, which usually fades after walking a little while
- Greater foot pain after exercise—not during
How does plantar fasciitis differ from heel spurs?
A heel spur is a bone spur, or calcium deposit, which develops toward the back of the heel bone, near where the plantar fasciitis inserts. Heel spurs commonly occur in people with tight calf muscles, just like plantar fascia does. But heel spurs don’t cause heel pain the same way plantar fasciitis does.
“Many people can have heel spurs without any symptoms,” Dr. Latt said. “So, if you have pain on the bottom of the heel, plantar fasciitis is most likely to blame.”
How do you treat plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is painful and can be very annoying if you’re active. The good news is it’s easy to treat.
If you’re experiencing heel pain, your health care provider will examine your foot and may recommend an X-ray to rule out other causes of heel pain. Although plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, your provider will still want to rule out other causes such as Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs or stress fractures.
With a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis, your provider will typically start with nonsurgical treatment and at-home remedies. Surgery for plantar fasciitis is only used for severe cases that don’t respond to conservative treatment.
“We send patients to learn some simple calf and plantar fascia stretching exercises, give them a gel heel pad to help cushion the injured area, and a prescription for some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication drugs (NSAIDS),” Dr. Latt said. “And with that simple prescription, 90% of patients with plantar fasciitis will get better in three to six months.”
Night splints, which keep the plantar fascia stretched out, can help when the pain is worse with the first step in the morning. If your shoes aren’t providing enough support in the right places, you may also want to consider over-the-counter shoe insoles, arch supports or heel cups. If these don’t do the trick, you can find a trained expert who can fit you for a custom orthotic.
How to prevent plantar fasciitis
The best cure for plantar fasciitis is prevention. Here are some steps you can take to help prevent plantar fasciitis from coming back.
- Wear the right shoes.
- Consider supportive shoe inserts, if necessary.
- Lose weight.
- Stay active with low-impact activities like walking, biking, swimming and yoga.
- Stretch the foot and calf muscles daily.
To stretch your calf muscles, do the following:
- Stand an arm’s length from a wall and put your hands on the wall.
- Place your left foot behind your right.
- Slowly bend your right knee while keeping your left leg straight and your right foot flat on the ground.
- Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds and repeat 3 times.
- Switch legs and repeat the process.
This simple stretch should be part of your warm-up routine to help prevent plantar fasciitis.
Give your feet the support they need
If you’ve lost that pep in your step due to heel pain, take action. Getting prompt treatment that gets to the root of your pain issues is crucial to helping reduce pain and inflammation. To find a doctor who can diagnose plantar fasciitis and provide a treatment plan, visit bannerhealth. com.
For other feet-related articles, check out:
- Flip-Flop Season? Here’s Why They May Be a Total Flop
- How to Save Your Feet and Avoid High Heel Horrors
- Do Your Feet Under or Overpronate? Here’s How to Tell
Orthopedics
Sports Medicine
Can Plantar Fasciitis Cause Leg Pain?
By Dr. Steven Gershman, DPM
Plantar fasciitis is causing “A real pain in the foot”. That is what many patients complain about to me as it disrupts their life. It makes it hard to stand, walk, run, and work. Many patients have severe issues working with this foot condition as plantar fasciitis pain can be very debilitating. So, what can seem like just “foot pain” can be life altering.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Well the story starts with discussing the culprit, the plantar fascia, a thick, web like ligament on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia lies just under the skin and in most people can be easily seen and felt by pulling the toes up. This causes the fascia to tighten and stick out to be easily visualized and palpated, especially in the arch area. It feels like a tight band there.
Anatomically, the plantar fascia connects from the calcaneus (the heel bone) to the base of the toes which means it stretches almost the full length of the foot. Like a ligament it connects bone to bone, but structurally it is closer to a tendon with limited blood and nerve supply. These characteristics are part of the reason it is often slow to heal from injury. The plantar fascia is made of collagen based connective tissue and as it stretches out in a wide band it is properly called an Aponeurosis.
Functionally the fascia acts like a tie-rod to hold the foot together as it connects the toes to the heel. When the arch is at maximal height the fascia is shorter as the foot is shorter. As a person stands and the arch drops, the foot lengthens and stretches, elongating and tightening the fascia. In the gait cycle when walking or running, as a person pushes off, the toes flex back which causes the fascia to tighten and raises the arch to stabilize the foot for propulsion. This is called the “windless mechanism”. Dysfunction in this action is one of the causes of plantar fasciitis as will be discussed later in this blog.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is pain anywhere on the fascia including the most common bottom of the heel pain. The most prevalent scenario is pain when first standing and then it often temporarily improves after moving around, only to get worse as there is continued activity. Often the more time on the feet, the worse the pain. It is not truly an inflammation as much as actual micro trauma damage to the fascia with some structural breakdown due to being overworked or stressed. There can also be periostitis of the heel bone, inflammation of the periosteum, the coating over the bone. As the fascia connects to the periosteum it becomes all involved and is called plantar fasciitis. In my 31 years of treating heel pain, this is more common than pain further up the fascia in the arch.
Another type of pain in the bottom of the foot can involve neuritis or nerve pain as the heel has several nerve branches passing along and under it. If these nerves are irritated there can be a burning pain radiating around the heel and often pain up the leg. Often neuritis occurs together with fasciitis causing foot and leg pain. As we age, the fat pad on the bottom of the heel thins out which can lead to periostitis from direct trauma to the bone/periosteum and/or neuritis from the nerve under the heel being compressed between the bone and the floor.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
There are multiple causes of this syndrome. Often in a patient there is more than one cause.
- Dysfunction in the windless mechanism mentioned above is a major cause. The fascia is over worked and stretched when the mechanism malfunctions which leads to micro tears, structural damage and pain. A major cause of the windless mechanism malfunctioning is dysfunction of the big toe joint to the foot. If the big toe can’t flex properly the windless mechanism will not work correctly and this can damage the fascia. Big toe joint dysfunction can occur from actual damage to the joint from arthritis or from over pronation where the arch flattens on stance jamming the joint.
- Other causes of plantar fasciitis are weight gain which puts physical stress on the foot. The fascia being a tie-rod stabilizing the foot will be overworked by excess weight as it works harder to handle the increased physical force. As mentioned above, fat pad atrophy with age can also cause pain in the heel at the fascia insertion on the heel. Simple overpronation where the arch drops cause lengthening of the foot which puts a stretch force on the fascia as it attempts to hold the foot together. This over works the fascia causing micro trauma and pain. This issue can be exacerbated by poor shoes or soft worn out shoes as pronation is often worse with soft or poor shoes.
Heel spur syndrome is not plantar fasciitis!
At this point I also want to discuss “heel spur syndrome ” as it is often confused with plantar fasciitis especially when the pain is on the bottom of the heel. As the fascia connects to the bottom of the heel there can be fascia pain directly at the insertion point on the heel. This also can cause heel bone periostitis as the fascia connects to the periosteum. There is often a heel spur that develops on the tubercle on the bottom of the heel bone where the fascia inserts. The spur usually has little to do with the pain. In fact, on x-ray the foot with no pain had a bigger spur then the painful foot. I tell my patients the spur is often more of a barometer measuring stresses on the foot but not actually the cause of the symptoms. This means we don’t treat the spur itself and don’t need to remove it to minimize pain.
How to treat plantar fasciitis
- With almost no exceptions I ALWAYS start with SHOES for plantar fasciitis treatment. We ask patients to bring in most of their shoes for their initial visit and anytime thereafter they have pain. As noted above, shoes can be a major cause of fasciitis and other foot pain. If the shoes are worn out or improper, I start treatment with having them purchase new and more appropriate shoes. The shoes need to fit correctly as I often find patients wear shoes too short or too tight. This can affect the big toe joint function which damages the fascia as can over pronation from poor shoes. I have seen many patients improve in 2 to 3 weeks from just purchasing new more appropriate shoes that fit well. Each patient is different so I can’t recommend a blanket one style of shoe, but in general plantar fasciitis shoes need a solid heel counter to control motion, have a solid outer sole, and have some motion control features. Many patients need extra depth and width for unrestricted toe movement and a pressure free environment. Orthofeet, an orthopedic footwear brand, is one such company that biomedically designs plantar fasciitis shoes that help alleviate strain on the plantar fascia. Featuring ergonomic soles, they reduce impacts on the heel and provide soft protective cushioning. To learn more about Orthofeet plantar fasciitis shoes and view the styles click here.
- The next step in treatment usually involves some type of plantar fasciitis insole or orthotic. Since many patient’s main symptom is heel pain, the insert should cup and cushion the heel and support the arch. In general, a well-made insole will reduce pronation and help improve big toe joint function while cushioning the heel. This is the starting point in my office for most of these patients. For over 25 years I have used the Orthofeet Bio-Sole Gel non custom orthotic as my first line of treatment along with shoes. This insole has a gel heel pad in the heel cup, an anatomical arch support and tends to mold to the specific shape of the foot over time. I have tried many other non-custom or temporary orthotics and none have compared to these in positive effect and comfort. They are very comfortable from the moment they are inserted in the shoes, which patients really appreciate and will actually wear them as a result. Click here to view Orthofeet Bio-Sole Gel orthotics. If this treatment doesn’t work well enough, I will consider custom foot orthotics if they are appropriate for the patient.
- Cortico-steroid (“cortisone “) injections are another treatment. It may require 2 to 3 injections. I usually wait until the patient has proper shoes and inserts before I administer this as the injection success rate is higher when administered in conjunction with the shoes and inserts. Also, another option for plantar fasciitis pain relief is oral steroids such as prednisone or non-steroids such as ibuprofen.
- If all the above fails, I will have the patient wear an immobilizing boot 24 hours a day for a few weeks. To further increase effectiveness, the insole is inserted in the boot. From my findings, simple night splints are not very beneficial, but the walking boot worn also at night does have a powerful impact.
- Finally, if all the above treatment options don’t work, shock wave treatment may prove beneficial or surgery as a last resort. The issue with surgery is that it may improve symptoms initially, but it does destabilize the foot in the long run often leading to new pain later. For the most part, plantar fasciitis will resolve regardless in a year or less. Treatment helps speed it up.
So, going back to the title, can plantar fasciitis cause leg pain? The answer is a definite YES. In addition to foot pain there can be pain radiating up the leg. This can occur directly from nerve pain at the calcaneus branches which can radiate back up the nerve tract in the leg causing ankle and calf pain.
Another cause of leg pain is when there is pain on the foot and in particular at the heel, people often change their stance and gait to avoid the painful area. This alters normal lower extremity mechanics which can lead to overuse injuries/pain to the muscles and tendons in the lower leg and sometimes in the upper leg, hip, and back. So, treatment for plantar fasciitis can affect more than just the foot.
Finally, plantar fasciitis is very common. If you develop pain on the bottom of the foot, the sooner you seek out medical help, such as a podiatrist, the sooner you will improve. Waiting longer just causes more pain and is more complicated to treat as well as slower.
The good news is plantar fasciitis is very treatable. No one should have to live with “A PAIN IN THE FOOT”.
How to treat plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis (also called plantar fasciitis) is an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. This band of connective tissue is called the plantar fascia. When it becomes inflamed, pain appears in the foot, sometimes so severe that it interferes not only with walking, but even with standing. More often than others, professional runners, overweight people, and people who wear inappropriate shoes experience this inflammation. In this article, we look at the main causes, symptoms, and the most effective treatments for this disorder.
Normally, the plantar fascia acts as a shock-absorbing bowstring that absorbs the load and supports the arch of the foot. If too much pressure is applied to the fascia, microdamages or small tears form on it. It is because of repeated sprains and micro-ruptures that inflammation of the fascia of the foot is formed.
Another possible cause of inflammation is a biomechanical defect in the foot itself. A tendency to this disease is observed in people with flat feet or too pronounced deflection in the foot.
There are several additional factors that increase the chances of developing plantar fasciitis:
- Age – This disorder most often affects people between the ages of 40 and 60.
- Love for certain types of physical activity. Much earlier, people who run long distances and jump a lot can face foot fasciitis. The same group includes lovers of dance and ballet. All of these types of motor activity put stress on the plantar fascia.
- Obesity – extra pounds also create additional stress on the foot.
- Work on your feet. Factory workers, teachers, salespeople, and others who spend most of their time standing on their feet (especially on hard surfaces) can damage the plantar fascia.
Signs of inflammation include:
- Pain in the lower part of the foot that worsens from month to month,
- Discomfort in the arch of the foot,
- Pain in the foot that worsens when standing,
- Swelling of the heel.
Pain intensifies in the morning, and also after a person has sat for a long time. After a few minutes of walking, the fascia stretches, causing the pain in the foot to subside a little. For some people, the pain disappears completely for a while, but after a long period spent on their feet, they return again.
Fasciitis causes pain in the area of the foot near the heel bone, and the pain is described as stabbing. If a person goes in for sports, the pain often increases not during, but after training. By the way, another possible cause of discomfort is the formation of a heel spur, which you will read about in this article.
How to treat plantar fasciitis?
Most people feel better with rest, cold compresses, and stretching exercises. It will take several months to completely get rid of the symptoms.
If we talk about medicines, then doctors prescribe painkillers – ibuprofen and naproxen sodium – to relieve pain and inflammation.
Physiotherapy
To relieve symptoms, orthopedists prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises for the foot muscles. Some patients are helped by special devices that relieve stress from the plantar fascia. In general, physiotherapy methods include:
- Plantar fascia and Achilles tendon stretches and calf exercises that stabilize the ankle and heel. In addition, the orthopedist can apply a special athletic tape (kinesiology tape) that will support the foot.
- Overnight splinting. In order for the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia to stretch during sleep, the doctor recommends the application of a special splint.
- Orthopedic aids. Sometimes podiatrists prescribe ready-made or custom-made orthopedic insoles. Their task is to more evenly distribute the load on the arch of the foot.
The best treatment for plantar fasciitis is stretching!
Achilles tendon and plantar fascia stretching exercises are the best remedy. Experts from the American Orthopedic Society assure that exercise therapy should be the main method of treating and preventing foot fasciitis. Below we will look at the most effective exercises.
Exercise #1 – Achilles Tendon and Plantar Fascia Stretch
Stand facing a wall, take a step with one foot and lean forward so that the “affected” leg is straight and the other is bent at the knee. In this position, both the fascia and the arch of the foot are stretched. Hold this position for 10 seconds and then straighten up and relax. Repeat the exercise 20 times for each foot. It is very important that the back leg is fully extended.
Exercise #2 – Targeted Plantar Fascia Stretch
- Sit on a sofa or chair, bend your “affected” leg at the knee and fold it over the other leg as shown in the figure below.
- Then grasp your toes with your hand and gently pull them towards your lower leg. This will create tension and stretch the plantar fascia, which will stretch like a string.
- Hold this position for 10 seconds. Do 10 more reps.
Do these exercises 3 times a day. The most suitable time for such training is immediately after waking up, as well as after a long sitting on a chair or sofa.
Treatment of plantar fasciitis with a set of exercises takes an average of 2 months. About 90% of patients feel significant relief.
If a person does not feel better after several months of gentle treatment, they may need to receive non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids by injection. This will help relieve inflammation and relieve pain in the foot. Another possible treatment is injection of platelet-rich plasma into the inflamed fascia. This is a relatively new procedure that is performed in our clinic.
What else can you do to get rid of plantar fasciitis?
To reduce pain you need:
- Get rid of excess weight.
- Choose your shoes carefully: avoid high heels, buy shoes with good arch support and cushioning soles.
- Do not walk barefoot, especially on hard surfaces.
- Throw away worn shoes.
- Replace your old training shoes before they no longer provide arch support and cushioning.
- If you are a professional runner, change your shoes every 650-800 km.
- Try to do sports that do not put extra stress on your feet. If possible, instead of running and jumping, go swimming or cycling.
- Apply cold compresses. Take a few ice cubes, wrap them in a cloth and swipe for 15-20 minutes on the area where the heel hurts. Perform this procedure 3-4 times a day or after physical activity.
- Ice massages are also available. You can use a paper cup for this. Fill it with water, freeze it, and then roll it over your heel for 5-7 minutes. Regular ice massages can help reduce inflammation and pain in the foot.
Sometimes only surgery helps
Very rarely, none of the above treatments help. In this case, the only way out is the surgical separation of the plantar fascia from the calcaneus. It is worth noting that this procedure is performed only in that situation, if the pain becomes unbearable.
As with any disorder or illness, the sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can get rid of the problem. If your heel hurts and nothing brings relief, it is better to consult an orthopedic traumatologist.
Sources:
- Plantar fasciitis, Mayo Clinic,
- Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis), American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS),
- Plantar Fasciitis, American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society.
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tendonitis
bursitis
arthritis
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Plantar fasciitis of the foot: symptoms and treatment, how to treat plantar fasciitis
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Plantar , or plantar fasciitis, is a disease characterized by degeneration and inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia or aponeurosis is a dense connective tissue cord that runs from the calcaneus to the base of the toes. Its main function is to support the arch of the foot. The main manifestation of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel that spreads down the foot. From the point of view of pathological physiology, it is more correct to call the disease fasciosis, since its cause is largely caused not by the inflammatory process, but by degenerative changes and stretching of the aponeurosis. The ending “it” means inflammation, and “oz” indicates the predominance of tissue degeneration and dystrophy over the inflammatory component.
An orthopedic traumatologist is responsible for finding out the causes and treatment of plantar fasciitis. His responsibilities include diagnosis, prescribing therapy and preventive measures for pathology. In the article we will tell you more about what plantar fasciitis is and how it is treated at the Temed Clinic.
This article is advisory in nature. Treatment is prescribed by a specialist after consultation.
Fig.1 The term “plantar” refers to structures related to the plantar surface of the foot
Ligaments and tendons of the muscles strengthen the joints of the foot, providing movement. The plantar fascia or aponeurosis is the longest and most powerful ligament. It connects the heel bone and the base of the fingers, supports the arch and provides flexibility to the foot.
With foot injuries, constant excessive loads, microdamages and degenerative-dystrophic changes appear in the plantar fascia. The greatest dystrophic changes in the fascia are observed at the site of its attachment to the calcaneus. Most often, it is here that the pain in the patient is localized. Accompanying the degeneration of the aponeurosis may be inflammation. It is not in the first place in the mechanisms of the development of the disease, but manifests itself as a secondary process.
Chronic trauma leads to a compensatory reaction of the calcaneal tissue – the appearance of a “spur”. This is a marginal bone growth that occurs at the site of attachment of the plantar fascia. Heel spurs are common in patients with plantar fasciitis, but a causal relationship of these changes has not yet been established. Patients with a foot spur identified on x-ray often do not experience discomfort. While pain and limited mobility of the foot may not be accompanied by the appearance of a growth on the heel.
Fig.2 Heel spur
Causes of plantar fasciitis
There are several hypotheses explaining the causes and pathogenesis of plantar fasciitis:
- 9000 2 1
Multiple microtraumas at the site of attachment of the fascia to the calcaneus due to increased loads
2
Repetitive compression of the arch of the foot and the heel itself, resulting in the formation of a spur that protects the calcaneus from fracture
3
Structural reorganization of the collagen fibers of the plantar fascia, occurring spontaneously s what happens when fingers are extended at the moment of repulsion from a hard surface
Risk factors:
Sedentary lifestyle. Insufficient physical activity leads to malnutrition of the fascia, acceleration of degeneration processes in it
Professional features. Dancers, professional runners are more likely to suffer from plantar fasciitis due to increased stress on the ligaments of the foot naya shoes. Wearing uncomfortable, unsuitable shoes leads to compression and overload of the fascia
0048 on unadapted surfaces such as rocky terrain or asphalt
Obesity . Excess weight leads to excessive stress on the feet
Pregnancy . Due to weight gain leads to improper distribution of the load on the feet
Diabetes mellitus. The exact mechanisms of its influence on changes in the fascia have not been established, but fasciitis is more common in people with this diagnosis
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
Pain is the key symptom of plantar fasciitis:
1
She wears burning or aching character
2
Accompanies the patient in the morning when he gets up from bed, and gradually decreases
3
It is localized in the heel area and can often spread to the inner surface of the foot. Discomfort with plantar fasciitis on the right, as well as on the left, after 10-15 minutes of walking recedes, but after a while, especially after a long rest, it returns again
4
Pain syndrome intensifies when pushing off the heel and balls of the toes during heavy exertion, running and fast walking ovate about the rupture of the plantar fascia. This condition requires immediate medical attention
Can be either unilateral or bilateral plantar fasciitis. If the patient often focuses on the left leg, then the disease develops on the left and vice versa.
Diagnosis of plantar fasciitis
Diagnosis of tendinitis begins with an initial consultation with an orthopedic traumatologist. The doctor clarifies the complaints, where and when the pain occurs, what provokes and reduces it. Then he collects an anamnesis: whether there are chronic diseases, what surgeries were undergone, injuries, what drugs the patient takes, whether active sports are present in his life. The specialist evaluates the gait, examines the gluteal regions and hips for damage, deformities, and swelling.
During palpation of the hips, the doctor reveals areas of pain, muscle tension, clicks, or other sounds during movements in the hip joint.
The specialist performs special diagnostic tests that allow you to understand what is causing the pain: pathology of the hip joint, spine, nerve or tendons of the muscles.
To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor may order additional tests:
- X-ray of the hip joint in case of suspected pathology, injury0165
- MRI of the joint to assess the condition of the periarticular soft tissues
- MRI of the lumbosacral spine for suspected intervertebral hernia
- Ultrasound of the hip joint to assess the integrity of ligaments, tendons, muscles, detection of edema, inflammation 901 65
- CT joint for a more detailed examination of the bones
Book an appointment with an orthopedic traumatologist
The appointment lasts 60 minutes, includes diagnostics, analysis of your MRI and preparation of a treatment plan, takes place both in person and online.
How to treat plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis often resolves on its own. But to relieve severe pain, restore foot mobility and improve the patient’s quality of life, both drug and non-drug methods can be used.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective drugs for plantar fasciitis, but they are not intended to treat but to relieve symptoms. In rare cases, the introduction of glucocorticosteroids or a local anesthetic into the painful fascia of the foot is used.
At the Temed Clinic you can receive high-quality diagnosis of the disease and medical care in accordance with clinical recommendations.
Of the non-drug treatments for plantar fasciitis, the most effective are:
Temporary restriction of foot mobility. In addition, for this, specialists prescribe wearing orthoses, especially during sleep
Stretching exercises for the calf muscles of the lower leg and plantar aponeurosis, selected together with the attending physician
Use of orthopedic insoles and heel pads selected by a specialist
Shock wave therapy. During the session, an apparatus is used that emits acoustic waves that are strong enough to carry out a “hit” on parts of the human body. This stimulates blood circulation, tissue regeneration and has an analgesic effect
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To prevent plantar fasciitis, experts recommend:
Avoid impact loads on the leg, especially when running and jumping
sports in suitable shoes in a specially equipped place
Wear comfortable shoes of the right size with a heel height of at least 2 cm and a sole thickness of at least 5 mm
Do not go barefoot for long periods or wear sandals, flip flops or other flat shoes without built-in arch support
Lose weight if overweight
901 81 Abstracts:
1
Plantar fasciitis most often develops due to constant excessive stress on the foot, leading to overstrain and damage to the plantar aponeurosis
2
Aching or burning pain in the heel, especially in the morning, is the leading symptom of plantar fasciitis
3
Lifestyle modification, regular exercise for the foot and the use of orthopedic insoles are the most effective methods for treating and preventing plantar fasciitis
- William Errol Prowse IV, Howard Rosen, Lillie Lemon Plantar Fasciitis Survival Guide: The Ultimate Program to Beat Plantar Fasciitis, March 2, 2015
- Benjamin K.
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