The Plantar fascia is a band that holds up the arch of your foot. It can be described as a sling that supports your foot from caving in. It comes from the heel and disperses itself towards the toes. Plantar fasciitis, typically known as heel pain is a common concern in clinic. The band that holds up your arch thickens and causes pain where it inserts at your heel. Patients describe this feeling as if you were walking on a rock.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis? Normally any type of reaction described above occurs because a structure is over stressed. In the Ideal world, everyone would have the strength to withstand any activity. Due to our poor habits our tolerance to certain activities is compromised and we place pressure in areas that aren’t ready for the load. This can include the extra pounds gained during the holiday seasons or the marathon you just started training for.
Normally, Patients don’t require a scan initially but if pain persists for more than 3 months after treatment with no improvement this may be an option. Treatment occurs in three phases:
- De-load and settle
- Load me up
- Perform and maintain
First you want to settle the pain by identifying the activities your body isn’t coping with, than strengthen the body gradually and return to that activity or exercise at the guidance of your therapist.