Plantar Fasciitis Causes and Treatments
Plantar fasciitis stands out as a primary cause of plantar heel pain, stemming from the degenerative irritation of the plantar fascia origin at the heel bone’s medial aspect and its surrounding perifascial structures. The plantar fascia is a key player in the normal biomechanics of the foot, offering essential support for the arch and contributing to shock absorption.
This condition is often characterized as an overuse injury, with several predisposing factors such as obesity, biomechanical abnormalities like pes planus or pes cavus, limited ankle dorsiflexion, and excessive pronation or supination. Additionally, patients with plantar fasciitis commonly exhibit tightness in the gastrocnemius, soleus, and other posterior leg muscles.
Interesting Fact: Both radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy and ultrasound therapy were found to be effective in reducing pain and increasing mobility over time for chronic plantar fasciitis (Konjen et al., 2015).
Signs and Symptoms for Plantar Fasciitis
- Sharp localized pain at the medial heel;
- Morning pain after rest, improving with activity throughout the day;
- Increased pain towards the day’s end;
- Reproducible pain at the plantar medial calcaneal tubercle;
- Pain with passive dorsiflexion of the foot and toes.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, consult with a Chiropodist for accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Our chiropodists tailor treatment options based on the severity of your plantar fasciitis. From targeted stretching and footwear education to custom foot orthotics and therapeutic modalities (ultrasound therapy, laser therapy, and shockwave therapy), we offer a range of strategies for effective pain management.
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Book an appointment today or call us at (416) 444-3668 to learn more about our foot care services.
Buchbinder, R. (2004). Plantar fasciitis. New England Journal of Medicine, 350(21), 2159-2166.
Buchanan, B.K., Sina, R.E., & Kushner D. (2024). Plantar fasciitis. [In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Konjen, N., Napnark, T., & Janchai, S. (2015). A comparison of the effectiveness of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy and ultrasound therapy in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet, 98 Suppl 1, S49–S56.
Tahririan, M. A., Motififard, M., Tahmasebi, M. N., & Siavashi, B. (2012). Plantar fasciitis. Journal of research in medical sciences: the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 17(8), 799–804.