Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

A heel spur is a bony growth at the front/underside of the heel bone. Spurs develop due to the body responding to the constant traction and pulling from the plantar fascia ligament away from the heel bone.

After diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis, you may be required to have an X-Ray taken. A heel spur will show clearly on an X-Ray of your foot. Calcaneal spurs are not painful. Pain is only caused because of inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heel spur.

Many who suffer from Plantar Fasciitis do not have a heel spur and vice-versa, those with heel spurs don’t always have painful feet. Spurs take many years to develop, they can also be found underneath the heel bone and also at the back of the heel (near the Achilles Tendon) or in other parts of the body.

Heel pain is more intense with your first steps out of bed in the morning or after sitting for a while. During rest, our muscles and ligaments tend to shorten and tighten up. The tightening of the plantar fascia means more traction on the ligament making the tissue even more sensitive. With sudden weight-bearing the tissue is being traumatised, resulting in a stabbing pain or deep ache.

After walking around for a while, the ligament warms up, becomes more flexible, eliminating the pain or becoming more of a dull ache. After walking a long distance or standing for hours the pain is likely to return.

Different contributing factors can overstretch the plantar fascia ligament under the foot including:

• Overuse – Activities that involve a lot of running or jumping, or standing for long periods of time, can put excessive stress on the plantar fascia, leading to micro-tears and inflammation.
• Weight gain – excess weight places great pressure on the bones, nerves, muscles and ligaments in the feet, leading to inflammation and pain. Often common in pregnancy.
• Age – As we age, the plantar fascia can become weaker and more susceptible to injury. Aging can also lead to a loss of flexibility and elasticity in the foot, which can exacerbate Plantar Fasciitis symptoms.
• Unsupportive footwear– Wearing shoes with poor arch support, inadequate cushioning, or that are too tight can put unnecessary stress on the plantar fascia, leading to injury and inflammation.
• Walking barefoot – Walking barefoot or wearing unsupportive shoes, such as flip-flops or sandals, can place additional strain on the plantar fascia and lead to injury, especially on hard surfaces like concrete or tiles.
• Low arch/flat feet/overpronation – Low arches or flat feet, as well as overpronation (when the foot rolls inward excessively during walking or running), can lead to excessive strain on the plantar fascia. Wearing shoes with proper arch support or using orthotic inserts can help prevent Plantar Fasciitis in those with flat feet or overpronation.

Listed below are the most common forms of short and long term treatments:

Anti-inflammatories – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area. These medications can be helpful in managing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Check with your pharmacist before beginning treatment.

Orthotic Therapy – Can help offload and support the heel and improve long term foot mechanics.

Footwear – Wearing appropriate footwear can help to reduce strain on the plantar fascia and promote healing. Shoes with good arch support and cushioning can be helpful in managing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Injection Therapy – Corticosteroid injections can be used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the affected area. While this treatment can be effective in managing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it should be used with caution as repeated injections can lead to tissue damage.

Rest and ice treatment – are often recommended as short-term treatment. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Resting the foot and applying ice can help reduce pain and swelling.

The signs and symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis include:

• Pain in the heel or arch of the foot, typically felt in the morning or after long periods of inactivity.
• Stiffness or tightness in the bottom of the foot.
• Pain that worsens after standing or walking for prolonged periods.
• Tenderness or soreness in the bottom of the foot, particularly near the heel.
• Aching or burning sensations in the foot.
• Swelling or inflammation in the foot, although this is less common.
• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the cause of your pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan.