Plantar Fasciitis, an overview

Plantar Fasciitis is the name given to inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is best described as five long elastic bands, that stretch from the ball of your feet and insert into your heel bone. The plantar fascia is responsible for maintaining foot shape and allows your feet to work painlessly.

Plantar Fasciitis most commonly affect middle aged people, who may have recently started a new exercise regime or put on a lot of weight.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of Plantar Fasciitis is pain within the heel, after periods of rest i.e. first thing in the morning, or after sitting for prolonged periods of time. It can usually present in one foot, and if left untreated, can develop in the other foot too. Symptoms tend to ease whilst you are more active, but return after resting or sleeping again.

Treatments

Due to the feet being a complex part of your body, they can not be, and should not be, looked at in isolation. Your feet are placed at the bottom of the skeleton tree. Therefore, any problems within the the lower back, thigh muscles, knee joints, and lower limbs will contribute to your foot pain. Due to this, a condition cannot be solved simply by consultation, and a thorough hands-on assessment is required.

By carrying out a Biomechanical Gait Analysis Assessment, the Podiatrist will consider your foot condition, but also take into account symptoms being experienced further up the skeleton. The assessment will provide an accurate diagnosis, allowing the Podiatrist to prepare a suitable treatment plan, which may include recommended stretches, custom made orthotics, and footwear advice.