What is Plantar Fasciitis?

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick band of tissue, the plantar fascia, that connects your heel bone to your toes. This connective tissue supports your arch and absorbs shock when you walk, but can develop small tears and inflammation.

The most common causes for plantar fasciitis include excessive pronation, flat feet, high arches, inappropriate footwear, sudden weight gain, prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces, tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles, and repetitive impact.

Symptoms needing treatment for plantar fasciitis include sharp heel pain that's worst with first steps in the morning or after periods of rest, pain that decreases after walking but worsens with prolonged activity, heel tenderness, and sometimes swelling.

The diagnosis process involved in plantar fasciitis includes detailed history, physical examination focusing on foot structure and pain location, assessment of footwear, gait analysis, and occasionally imaging like ultrasound or MRI.

Conservative treatment options in plantar fasciitis include rest, ice therapy, stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and calf muscles, supportive footwear, orthotics or arch supports, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Interventional treatment options for plantar fasciitis include corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma therapy, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, ultrasound-guided procedures, and regenerative treatments. Surgery is rarely needed.

The goal of treatment of plantar fasciitis is to reduce inflammation and pain, promote tissue healing, correct biomechanical issues, restore normal foot function, and give you a return to pain-free daily activities.

Thanks for watching. Please take a look at another video, so you and I can have the most productive conversation about your health.