What is Plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot problem which usually causes heel pain or pain along instep of foot. It usually starts as a dull intermittent pain worse in the mornings then progresses to a stronger pain which may last all day. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous that attaches from the heel bone underneath the foot to tho toes. It supports the arch of the foot.

Predisposing factors;

- flat feet [overpronated]

-high arched feet[ over supinated]

-inappropriate footwear

-running on toes/ uphill running

-increasing age

TREATMENT

Rest- minimise weight bearing activities such as running-try swimming instead.

Ice-use a frozen bottle of water to roll under arch of foot.

Physiotherapy- electrotherapy to reduce pain and swelling. Boimechanical analysis to determine cause of the problem. Prescription orthoses/ heel wedges and or raises and exercises to strenghten intrinsic foot muscles and stretch calf muscles if tight.