Plantar fasciitis, One of the Foremost Causes of Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Both heel pain and heel spurs are frequently associated with an inflammation of the band of fibrous connective tissue (fascia) running along the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot, from the heel to the ball of the foot. The inflammation is called plantar fasciitis. It is common among athletes who run and jump a lot, and it can be quite painful.

The condition occurs when the plantar fascia is strained over time beyond its normal extension, causing the soft tissue fibers of the fascia to tear or stretch at points along its length; this leads to inflammation, pain, and possibly the growth of a bone spur where it attaches to the heel bone.

When excessive force is applied to the arch of the foot, that force is transferred to the plantar fascia, which can become irritated and inflamed.  The cause of the irritation involves multiple factors.  A combination of over pronation in the feet, unsupportive footwear and overuse can cause microscopic tears in the plantar fascia that begin an irritation and inflammatory process.  In turn, the inflammation causes pain where the plantar fascia inserts on the heel bone.  This condition is prevalent in runners, overweight individuals, and pregnant women with inadequate support from shoes.  Commonly felt in the morning while taking the first couple of steps out of bed, plantar fasciitis causes pain described as feeling like a sharp dagger, stone bruise, deep throbbing or dull ache.

Conservative treatment therapies for plantar fasciitis include icing, stretching, heel lifts, supportive shoes, weight loss, orthotic devices and night splints.  Stretching is one of the most important therapeutic measures that should be performed multiple times a day, especially before stepping out of bed.  Having supportive footwear is also a critical measure.  A shoe which is too soft and flexible will strain the plantar fascia while weight bearing.  Orthotic inserts can be placed in a shoe in order to control abnormal foot motion and prevent arch collapse, both of which stress and tear the plantar fascia.  Individuals with tight calf muscles causing an early heel lift during gait could benefit from a heel lift.  Finally night splints can provide valuable healing time when resting as they help keep the plantar fascia stretched out. The calf and plantar fascia contract and tighten while sleeping.  When full body weight is applied to the foot when stepping out of bed, the plantar fascia overstretches and tears.