As we all know well, anyone will tell you, when there is foot pain, we hurt all over. Our feet are the foundation or our structure, or body. If there is a problem with that foundation, everything else – knees, hips, back – will be thrown off.
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the connective tissue referred to as plantar fascia. This fascia runs along the sole from the bottom on the heel to the toes. Many will say that it feels as if the arch of the foot is tearing.
Risk factors, causes, incidence and Symptoms
When the tissue that is referred to as plantar fascia has been over stretched or overused, it can become inflamed. Once the fascia is inflamed, it can be painful and make walking more difficult.
Some of the risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:
• Foot arch problems (both high arches and flat feet)
• Obesity
• Repetitive loading on the feet when long-distance running, especially when going downhill or uneven surfaces
• Sudden weight gain
• Tight Achilles tendon (tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel)
• Shoes with poor arch support or soft soles
Plantar fasciitis is commonly seen in middle-aged men and women, but it can be found in all age groups. The most common complaint is diagnosed with the classic symptoms of pain in the bottom of the foot in the heel area. Often the pain caused by plantar fasciitis is more severe when you first get out of bed in the morning. This pain will often subside quickly, only to return after periods of prolonged standing or walking. By the end of the day the pain may be replaced by a dull ache which improves with rest.
Signs and tests
Typical physical exam findings may include:
• Mild swelling
• Redness
• Tenderness on the bottom of the heel
Treatment
Conservative and Alternative treatment is almost always successful, when given enough time. Treatment can last from several weeks to 2 years before symptoms get better. On the average most patients are better in about 9 months. According to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, in 90 percent of people, heel pain improves significantly after two months of treatment.
Initial treatment usually consists of:
• Regular treatment with a Reflexologist or Massage Therapist(a massage therapistis well trained in foot care)
• Heel stretching exercises
• Education in self care
• Hydrotherapy twice daily (10-15 minutes, more often the first couple of days your therapist will instruct you further in Hydrotherapy)
• Rest as much as possible for the first week.
• Wear properly fitted shoes.
Expectations
Nearly all patients/clients will improve within one year of beginning therapy, with no long term problems.
Sources:
• Reflexology, Health at your fingertips
by Barbara and Kevin Kunz, Dorling Kindersley, London, 2004
• Riddle, DL, et al. “Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis” J. Bone Joint Surg. Am., May 2003;85: 872 - 877
• Gill LH. “Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management” J. Am. Acad. Ortho> Surg., Mar 1997; 5: 109 – 117.
