Plantar Fasciitis

What is it?

Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia (connective tissue). This connective tissue attaches to the heel and to the bones of each of toe.

What can cause it?

• Excessive exercise that causes stretching of the plantar fascia, including running, jogging, squatting
• Wearing high heels
• Being overweigh
• Having flat fee
• Pregnancy
• Tight calf muscles

What are the symptoms?

Pain in the heel when weight bearing, which is often worse first thing in the morning (after a long period of rest) and then reduces in pain as the day goes on. The symptoms can last for months and can get worse.

What are the treatments?

• Resting the foot and avoiding any excessive periods of exercise whether it be walking, running or jogging as continuing will exacerbate the condition.
• Gentle exercises to stretch the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia.
• Prescribed orthotics (insoles in shoes), to provide cushioning.
• Steroid injection in to the heel.