Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is characterised by pain on the inside aspect of the heel, resulting from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes.

Causes and risk factors:

• Tension and stress on the plantar fascia, leading to small tears
• Repeated stretching and tearing, causing degeneration of the fascia
• Advancing age
• Certain types of exercises
• Foot mechanics
• Obesity
• Occupation-related factors

Signs and symptoms:

• Pain is typically most severe in the morning, with the first steps of the day being particularly tender until the area warms up
• Pain worsens with high-impact, weight-bearing activities

Diagnosis:

• Thorough history and physical examination
• Imaging studies, including X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans

Treatment may include:

• A combination of ice massage, taping, and stretching
• Assessment and correction of biomechanical anomalies contributing to the condition
• Footwear evaluation
• Corticosteroid injections
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
• Surgery, if conservative measures fail