Plantar fasciitis or chronic heel pain

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that is located on the bottom of the foot. It originates at the base of the heel and spans the length of the arch and attaches at the ball of the foot. The plantar fascia plays a major role in the overall support of the arch. 

The plantar fascia commonly becomes inflamed where it attaches at the base of the heel bone. On palpation, it is very tender in this area and often refers pain into the arch as well.

It is most commonly injured due to repetitive strain (by over-stretching of the fascia) and is most frequently seen in people with flat, hypermobile feet.

The common symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:

• Pain on palpation at the base of the heel
• Pain being more severe in the mornings and after periods of rest.
• Pain into the foot arch

The good news? There is help!

The best treatment approaches for plantar fasciitis are:

• Custom foot orthotics – Orthotics are insoles inserted into your shoe to help support the arch and correct gait abnormalities that strain the plantar fascia.
• Physiotherapy – Treatment (ultrasound, stretching, taping, etc.) at the attachment site of the plantar fascia helps to speed up the healing process of the inflamed tissue.
• Night splints - The night splint is a device worn while you sleep to help keep the plantar fascia in a stretched position.
• Stretching - Regular stretching of the calf muscle helps to alleviate the tension off the bottom of the foot.

You don’t have to suffer unnecessarily. Find the clinic closest to you (www.lifemark.ca/locations) for more information on orthotics and bracing.