plantar fasciitis (Heel spur)

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Causes: The plantar fascia serves as a shock-absorbing ligament, supporting the arch of your foot whether high or low. If the tension on the plantar ligament becomes too great, micro tears can result. Chronic or acute micro tearing can result in irritation and inflammation along the ligament and at its insertion point into the heel. Certain factors such as age, increased body mass index, certain types of exercise/ athletics, specific occupations, and foot type can put you at an increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms: Plantar Fasciitis typically presents as a stabbing type of pain in the bottom of your foot or heel, which is at its worst when you first wake up in the morning. Most people complain that their first few steps are unbearable. Similar pain can result after long car rides or long periods of sitting.

Treatment: Also known as heel spur syndrome, the condition is often successfully treated with conservative measures, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications. In persistent cases, Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment (EPAT) may be used to treat the heel pain. PRP (platelet rich plasma) treatments and Amniofix© injections are also excellent conservative approaches to persistent heel pain. Most heel pain can be remedied without surgery.

When to Contact a Podiatrist: Any pain or swelling that persists for more than a few days deserves a thorough evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan. Not only can your daily activities be affected, but ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain may develop from an altered gait due to your heel pain.

Prevention: Patients who would like to reduce their risk of developing plantar fasciitis or experiencing a flare up should maintain a healthy weight, wear appropriate shoe gear and inserts to better support their specific foot type, stretch hamstrings, calf muscles and plantar fascia DAILY.

Definition: Plantar fasciitis is the term commonly used to refer to heel and arch pain traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. More specifically, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue, called plantar fascia, that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. Overpronation is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis. As the foot rolls inward excessively when walking, it flattens the foot, lengthens the arch, and puts added tension on the plantar fascia. Over time, this causes inflammation.

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