Plantar fasciits is a painful condition that is due to inflammation of the plantar fascia.  The plantar fascia is a broad band of tendon that runs from the underside of the heel towards the ball of the foot.  The plantar fascia is connected to the calf muscles, therefore tension in this muscle group can contribute to plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms

• Pain under the heel usually on the inside aspect of the heel which may radiate towards the ball of the foot
• Nodules or lumps may be felt around heel and arch of foot
• Pain is aggravated by weight-bearing (standing, walking, running) and direct pressure
• Pain aggravated by extending toes (bending up) and dorsiflexion of foot (lifting foot towards shin)
• Pain is usually worse in the morning easing after a short time

Causes of plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is caused by repetitive strain of the plantar fascia causing it to thicken and lose its flexibility and strength.  Stress factors include:

• Occupations that require prolonged standing
• Sports which involve high impact – running, dancing or jumping
• Anterior weight bearing posture – standing leaning forward with bodyweight distributed over balls of feet
• Over pronation of the feet (feet rolling in or flattening)
• Tight calf muscles
• Stiffness in the joints of the feet which reduces the ability of the feet to act as shock absorbers
• Unsupportive footwear
• Excess bodyweight

What you can do

• Rest as much as possible
• Try rolling a small plastic bottle full of ice under the foot for up to 5 mins several times per day.  This will both stretch the fascia and reduce inflammation
• Stretching the calf muscles
• Stretching the plantar fascia by bending back the toes and pulling the foot towards the shin
• Wearing supportive cushioned footwear.
• Wearing foot splint at night to stretch plantar fasica
• Losing weight
• Glucosamine sulphate supplements can also be helpful

What we can do

• Deep tissue massage to stretch the plantar fascia and calf muscles
• Deep friction to plantar fascia to boost circulation and stimulate healing
• Improve of foot mechanics
• Give advice on suitability of orthotics
• Improve mobility of foot joints to improve shock absorbing properties of foot
• Assess mechanics of the whole leg with treatment to improve alignment and reduce forces acting on foot
• Give postural advice