Plantar fasciitis: what is it and how can I fix it?

The plantar fascia, or aponeurosis, is a combination of connective tissues including muscles and tendons that run along the sole of the foot. It’s function is to help with the mechanics of the foot when weight bearing and contributes significantly when walking and running. 

Plantar fasciitis is often characterised as pain felt on the sole of the heel bone that drives a painful pulling sensation from that point to the attachment at the base of the toes. Often pain is felt in the morning or when returning to one’s feet after a period of sitting. Some characterise the pain as effecting the first few steps before easing slightly whilst in others it can provide a more consistent sensation when on your feet.

The symptoms are caused by an inflammation of the structure that has manifested due to some form of degeneration. Things such as incorrect foot mechanics, obesity and age have been identified as significant contributing factors. Whilst the prevalence of plantar fasciitis is very high, it is known to be a commonly misdiagnosed cause of heel pain. Signs you might have plantar fasciitis:

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• Either dull or sharp pain in the heel or arch, in one or both feet
• Heel/arch pain during first morning steps
• Heel/arch pain after a long period of rest, standing, or walking
• Heel/arch pain while climbing stairs or standing on tip-toes
• Pain subsides after 10-15 minutes, but worsens throughout the course of the day

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Treating plantar fasciitis can be tricky and does require some patience due to the degenerative nature of the condition. However, there are many different treatment options:

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• Manual therapy with exercise prescription to strengthen the musculature at the sole of the foot
• Your physical therapist or health care provider might recommend that you wear a splint that holds the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a lengthened position overnight to promote stretching while you sleep
• Your health care provider might prescribe off-the-shelf or custom-fitted arch supports (orthotics) to distribute the pressure on your feet more evenly.
• Walking boot, canes or crutches. Your health care provider might recommend one of these for a brief period either to keep you from moving your foot or to keep you from placing your full weight on your foot.
• Other surgical and non-surgical interventions exist if conservative management is unsuccessful

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If you or someone you know has signs of plantar fasciitis then please let us know and we can advise on what treatment will be most poignant.

The Apollo Team