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Plantar
Fasciitis is the inflammation of the dense fibrous sheath of the
sole of the foot; running from the heel, crossing the ball of
the foot (plantar fascia). The fascia absorbs shock,
adapts to the foot to changes in terrain and facilitates foot
push off.
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Black=Bone
Blue=Fascia Green=Pain |
| Symptoms |
Pain:
There is tenderness on the inside bottom of the heel.
There may also be diverse discomfort over rest of heel
into the arch. Symptoms often occur only on one side.
Morning pain and stiffness is frequent as well as pain
on standing after prolonged rest.
Early
stage:
Pain after activity
Middle
stage:
Pain during activity.
Late
stage:
Pain at rest. |
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Swelling:
Swelling
is usually non apparent, but some puffiness can be
observed in severe cases.
X-Rays:
About
20% of population has heel spurs without symptoms. Up to
75% of people with heel pain have heel spurs. |
- Flat
feet (excessive pronation)
- High
arches (excessive supination)
- Leg
length discrepancy
- Training
errors such increase mileage, frequency, intensity; change of
footwear, terrain; running
up hills.
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- Recent
impact trauma
- Calf
muscle shortening
- Skeletal
biomechanical problems.
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| There
is either too much flexibility or too much rigidity in the foot.
Both conditions result in localized inflammation at the heel that
is "squeezed out" with weight bearing.
At
night or rest, inflammation in absorbed into the area, pushing on
sensitive nerve endings. The first morning steps are very painful
and stiff until the inflammation is squeezed out and scar tissue
is stretched. Once the inflammation and scarring are present they
are difficult to remove. The longer the condition runs its course
without intervention, the more difficult it is to rehabilitate. |
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1.
Icing
will help decrease the inflammation and the pain.
2. Ensure
that you have appropriate
footwear
for your activities.
3. Make
sure you stretch
properly before and after each activity.
4. Establish
an accurate activity history and implement modified active rest
with
non-weight bearing activities such as swimming or biking. |
| Will
Physiotherapy Help Me? |
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A
physiotherapist will assess your condition and determine the origin of
your pain. Your treatment plan will address both the local symptoms
such as pain and inflammation as well as the cause of your pain (see
causes above).
If
you have developed this problem through a specific activity, your
physiotherapist can review your technique and make recommendations to
avoid injury.
You
will also be given an exercise program that will include proper
stretching and strengthening to reduce your symptoms, correct your
problem and avoid further re-injury.
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