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The plantar fascia is a thick chord of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot located from the heel and connecting to
the base of the toes. The fascia functions as a shock absorber to support the arch of
the foot.
When tension begins to add up on the fascia from over-stress, miniature tears develop on the band of tissue resulting in
irritation, causing inflammation and pain identified as plantar fasciitis. This
type of injury is regularly experienced on the heel or arch of the foot and the pain is often described as a acute, stabbing sensation or a profound aching or
throbbing.
Numerous factors are known to contribute to the development
of plantar fasciitis depending on the individual’s lifestyle. Most common in runners, athletes overwork the fascia by engaging in sports with a high impact to the bottom of the feet that can increase the development of this
type of injury. Inadequately fitting shoes, wearing flip-flops, or going barefoot
all while walking or standing on hard surfaces for extended periods of time can
also injure the fascia. Poor foot structure, such as flat
foot or a high arch, and being overweight have also been associated with plantar fasciitis.
Treating Plantar
Fasciitis
While prevention is the best option for avoiding any type of
injury, there are several treatment options available once you’ve suffered a
fascia injury and each may offer alternate results for every individual. A combination
of different methods can prove effective to achieving the natural health of
your foot.
Stretching the lower legs, calves, ankles, and feet on a regular, daily basis is important to rehabilitate injury to the fascia. Stretching both feet equally regardless if only one foot has been
affected is crucial as well to avoid injury on a healthy foot. As with other injuries, ice therapy aids with the characteristic symptom of
inflammation due to plantar fasciitis and consistency with the treatment
offers the best results. New shoes or adding insoles will give your foot the correct support needed to function as a cushion during high intensity
exercises. A chiropractor or physical therapist working together with a
podiatrist can diagnose and determine the appropriate massage therapy and treatment depending
on the grade of the injury and symptoms. And finally, plenty of rest is
recommended to achieve overall wellness and quicken the rehabilitation process
for your plantar fasciitis and its symptoms.
The symptoms of foot pain are similar and can be confused with Morton’s
neuroma, an impairing condition that targets the feet, causing a thickening of the
nerve tissue, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. Symptoms for Morton’s
neuroma include inflammation and restricted mobility, followed by pain on the
forefoot. Lifestyle changes may be required for treatment of this condition
such as modifying daily activities or wearing wide fitting shoes. Ice therapy
may also be used to reduce the inflammation on the affected foot caused by this painful condition.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
