Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is perhaps the most common source of heel pain and is caused by damage to the ligament on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia ligament connects the front of the foot to the heel, works as a shock absorber and provides critical arch support.
Causes
When the plantar fascia is stretched or put under heavy pressure it can become inflamed or even tear. Pregnant women and the obese are more likely to suffer from plantar fasciitis as more weight puts added pressure on the ligament.
Individuals who spend long amounts of time on their feet are also more susceptible. Restaurant servers, factory workers and runners are more likely to develop issues with the plantar fascia as a result of frequent impact and sometimes overuse.
People with flat feet or high arches are predisposed to a higher likelihood of foot problems as well. Stiff Achilles’ tendons at the heel can exacerbate this pain, which is most common in active adults between the ages of 40 and 70. Fortunately, simple stretching exercises can help ease stiff tendons.
Symptoms
Pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel are the most common complaints from plantar fasciitis patients. Pain can manifest itself in many different ways including dull pain, sharp pain, aching or even a burning sensation. Pain may affect one foot or both and can worsen after prolonged activity.
Diagnosis
A podiatrist can properly diagnose heel pain by performing a series of stretching and flexibility tests. By evaluating pain during flex tests, he or she can best diagnose heel pain as caused by the plantar fascia. A doctor may order X-rays or MRI exams to rule out other injuries such as a bone spur.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury, but some simple treatments such as stretching can be performed at home. More complex treatments may involve corticosteroid injections and in extreme cases, surgery. Click here for more information on plantar fasciitis treatment options.
Case-Lo, C. (n.d.). Plantar fasciitis. Retrieved from http://healthtools.aarp.org/health/plantar-fasciitis
