May You Suffer From Plantar Fasciitis?

By: Dr. Aron Mejias, MD.

Plantar fasciitis is a pain localized under the sole of the foot. It’s caused by the inflammation of a fibrous ligament known as plantar fascia. Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms are characterized by pain localized under the sole at the arch of it or in the heel. Plantar fasciitis is the most common causes of heel pain, approximately 1 out of 10 person experiment heel pain in the USA. Typically, the patient complains of a sharp pain in the heel that has more intensity early in the morning with the first steps of the day.

The causes of plantar fasciitis are considered to be consequences of multiples plantar traumas that produce micro-tears. Either these micro-tears can enlarge, or repetitive micro-tears can degenerate the ligament called Plantar Fascia and becomes symptomatic. Some risk factors are obesity, prolonged standing occupations, aging, wearing inadequate shoes, excessive training or incorrect gym equipment use.

The most characteristic plantar fasciitis symptoms is a history of intense sharp pain in the heel with the first steps after wake up or during the first couple of steps after long periods of rest; the pain can be localized in the foot sole. In the beginning, the pain improves after walking, but as the ambulation activity increases, the pain will be triggered. Eventually, the pain can appear even during rest. The history of having increased the amount and/or intensity of exercise is frequently present. Wearing a new pair of shoes can sometimes be associated as a trigger for it. It's paramount to determine if the pain onset is linked to the job or work environment since it can be used for worker compensation and/or worker disability privileges.

The pain of plantar fasciitis can be reproduced most of the time by palpation over the heel at the point where the ligament joins the heel bone. Additionally, the pain can sometimes be reproduced by dorsiflexion of the toes. Performing this two maneuvers is how you can think, If you may have plantar fasciitis. There are many other reasons for sole pain, and a proper medical examination may be needed to rule them out.

During medical consultation, usually neither laboratory test is needed nor do any imaging studies. Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed most of the time by proper medical history and physical examination. However, X-rays and/or Ultrasonography can be necessary to further evaluation of the ligaments and foot elements.

Plantar fasciitis is typically a self-limiting condition. Initially, over the counter medicine, ice bath and ice pack are the first home remedies. Anti-inflammatory therapy and activity modification, proper rest and wearing appropriate shoes can help to improve the condition further. If the pain persists or it’s affecting your daily life, your physician can prescribe a medical treatment. In very rare cases, surgical treatment is needed to resolve the pain completely.

Plantar fasciitis is a pain localized under the sole of the foot. It’s caused by the inflammation of a fibrous ligament known as plantar fascia. Plantar fasciitis' pain can be reproduced most of the time by palpation over the heel at the point where the ligament joins the heel bone. Additionally, the pain can sometimes be replicated by dorsiflexion of the toes. Performing this two maneuvers is how you can think, If, you may have plantar fasciitis. There are many other reasons for sole pain, and a proper medical examination may be needed to rule them out