Plantar fasciitis, sometimes referred to as a heel spur is a common, painful foot condition. Plantar fasciitis refers to the
symptoms of pain that people with this condition experience; a heel spur is a spur of bone that can form on the heel bone (calcaneus)as a result of this condition.
About 50% of patients with Plantar Fasciitis have an actual bony heel spur.
Who Gets Plantar
Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is most often seen in middle-aged men, but can be found in many groups. The condition is diagnosed
with the classic symptoms of pain well localized over an area of the bottom of the foot near the heel. Often the pain is most
severe when you first stand on the foot in the morning. Pain often subsides quite quickly, but then returns after prolonged
standing or walking. The condition is sometimes, but not always, associated with a rapid gain of weight.
Plantar Fasciitis
is an inflammation caused by excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs along
the bottom of the foot. This fibre attaches at the heel and runs along the bottom of your foot to connect to the forefoot.
Excessive
stretching or an overextension of this tissue causes plantar fascia which can ultimately lead to heel pain, arch pain or even heel
spurs.
While there are multiple causes, over-pronation is the leading cause. Over pronation causes excessive pressure on
the plantar fascia and often causes it to stretch away from the heel bone.
If you have usually high arches, which can also lead
to plantar fasciitis, cushion the heel, absorb shock and wear proper footwear that will accommodate comfort the foot.
Every
time your foot strikes the ground, the plantar fascia is stretched. You can reduced the strain and stress on the plantar fascia
by avoiding running on uneven ground, lose any excess weight, and wear shoes and/or orthotics to support your arch to prevent over-stretching
of the plantar fascia.
