Causes & symptoms of Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia (a band of tissue on the bottom of the foot that supports the arch of the foot) which causes heel pain.
When the foot lands on the ground, it tenses and therefore tends to pull on its insertions (where the plantar fascia attaches to bone). The insertion at the forefoot fans out across the entire width of the foot which helps to distribute the tension. By contrast, the insertion at the heel is thin, therefore the level of tension here is high and less spread out. The inflammation will therefore concentrate in this area. This explains why plantar fasciitis occurs at the plantar fascia insertion at the calcaneusThe heel bone and why pain is felt in the heel.
Over time, the inflammation may lead to the formation of a bone spur at this insertion – the classic heel spur. This is actually more of a consequence than a cause of plantar fasciitis.
Treatments :
Treatments for plantar fasciitis aim to relieve the pain by reducing the tension on the plantar fascia and the associated inflammation. The treatment measures recommended by Dr Metmer are:
- RestingYou should limit your travel and avoid prolonged walking and stamping your foot. the foot
- Wearing insolesCustom-made insoles are able to support the arch of the foot and reduce the amount of tension on it, and should also have deep, supportive heel cups.
- Platelet-rich plasma therapyMore information below. also known as PRP.
- Self-massageThis involves rolling a tennis ball on the ball of the foot.
- Physiotherapy
- Applying an ice pack to the heel
- Anti-inflammatoriesFor occasional use during particularly painful periods.
- Avoiding unsuitable footwearYou will need an insole with heel and arch support. Flat shoes should be avoided.
It is essential to follow these measures until the pain completely disappears in order to ensure a successful recovery. The older the symptoms are, the longer this will take. For this reason, treatment may take several months.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy :
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves injecting a patient’s own platelets around the tender area of the plantar fascia. Platelets are found in the blood and contain growth factors which have great healing and regenerative abilities.
PRP therapy therefore starts with a blood sample being taken (like for a blood test). The platelets and plasma are then separated from the rest of the blood using a centrifuge. Once collected, these platelets are injected around the plantar fascia. Click here for more information.