The sole of your foot is covered by a fascia. This blankets the muscles of the sole of your foot, from front to back. . This covering can be inflamed for various reasons. It is most commonly inflamed due to overuse, but can be irritated from an increase in the amount of walking, standing, and/or stair climbing. Runners are more susceptible to plantar fasciitis due to the amount of stress they put on their foot. This can be a result of a change in running surface, increase of mileage, and/or not changing running shoes.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis:
- Pain in the morning when you first wake up and may then go away throughout the day.
- Chronic heel pain
Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis:
Your physician will evaluate your injury by taking a complete medical history, including mechanism of injury, prior injuries and symptoms. Your physician will perform a complete physical examination of the lower leg and foot.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment:
- Rest
- Ice use ice for 20 minutes on with 40 minutes off throughout the day.
- Take an anti-inflammatory or pain medication as prescribed by your physician.
- Orthotics may be suggested or adding a cushion for heel support.
- Try wearing sneakers instead of unsupportive shoes, specifically high heels in women.
- Stretch the foot.
Plantar Fasciitis Rehabilitation:
- Your physical therapist will work with you to stretch the plantar fascia and strengthen the lower leg muscles.
- Your physical therapist may also try a taping technique or may suggest a splint for the foot. These techniques would be used to take some stress off the heel and aid in stretching the plantar fascia.
Prevention of Plantar Fasciitis:
- Slowly acclimate to changes in your daily lifestyle, such as increments of standing for a long period of time.
- For any sport or new lifestyle change, slowly progress in distance.
- Runners may want to be aware of progression, acclimate to terrain changes, and change shoes after they are worn out.