Mr Stuart A Metcalfe BSc(Hons), MPhil, FRCPod(S)
CONSULTANT PODIATRIC SURGEON
FELLOW ROYAL COLLEGE OF PODIATRY
Plantar Fasciits
ABOUT PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Whilst there are many causes of heel pain "plantar fasciitis" is the most common. The name itself implies that there is inflammation ("itis" ) in the plantar fascia. However research suggests the condition is more complicated than simple inflammation.
The plantar fascia is a thick and very strong band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot. It forms on the inner surface of the the heel bone and extends right across the foot itself. The fascia is as strong as steel. The plantar fascia helps support the arch and function of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As you get up and move more, the pain normally decreases, but it might return after long periods of standing or after rising from sitting.
Plantar fasciitis is more common in runners. In addition, people who are overweight and those who wear shoes with inadequate support have an increased risk of plantar fasciitis
We use non-invasive shockwave to treat our patients. Over 75% success rate.
The fascia originates from the underside of the heel bone. It then runs across the whole arch before inserting fibres into the toes.
Shockwave is an effective non-invasive treatment for plantar fasciitis
We use non-invasive shockwave to treat our patients. Over 75% success rate.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis can of course vary from patient to patient but commonly patients report:
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Pain in the heel on standing after resting
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Stabbing pain sometimes radiating into the arch
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Pain which can often ease after a few minutes of walking
WHAT CAN CAUSE PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
Many things can cause plantar fasciitis but here are some of the common culprits:
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Prolonged standing or running
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Tight tendons and muscles especially the calf muscle
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Poor foot posture e.g. flat feet
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Arthritic big toe joints which are stiff
CAN PLANTAR FASCIITIS BE TREATED?
Yes, plantar fasciitis is readily treated in the vast majority of cases. The key to successful treatment is ensuring that the diagnosis is correct as there are a few conditions which can be confused with plantar fasciitis. These include:
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Tarsal tunnel syndrome
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Heel bone bruising
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Fat pad atrophy
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Stress fractures of the heel bone
WHAT ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS?
Anyone using google will realise that there are simply hundreds of different treatment recommended for plantar fasciitis. The reason that no single treatment works for all patients is simply that the cause can be different for each patient.
