Pronounced: plan-tar fah-shee-eye-tis
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue attached to the heel bone that supports the arch of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by activity that puts extra stress on the foot, such as:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease, condition or injury. The main risk factor for plantar fasciitis is physical activity that stresses the plantar fascia.
Other risk factors include:
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis may come on gradually or suddenly.
Symptoms include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and examine your foot.
Tests may include:
Treatments include:
The following medications can relieve pain and inflammation:
Corticosteroid injections are controversial, but may be an option in some cases (may be given by a doctor). In certain cases, a new special type of sound wave called, extracorporeal shock wave, may be appropriate (also under the care of your doctor). At this time, this is generally a treatment for chronic, refractory cases.
In a few cases, basic treatments don't help, and surgery is performed to cut the tight, swollen fascia. Heel spurs have not been proven to cause plantar fasciitis, and they do not need to be routinely surgically removed.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
http://www.aapmr.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Ontario Podiatric Medical Association
http://www.opma.ca/
Orthogate
http://www.orthogate.org/
References:
American Podiatric Medical Association website. Available at: http://www.apma.org/ .
Dyck DD, Boyajian-O'Neill LA. Plantar fasciitis. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine. 2004;14:305-309.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .
Pommering TL. Ankle and foot injuries in pediatric and adult athletes. Prim Care. 2005;32:133-161.
6/5/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Baldassin V, Gomes CR, Beraldo PS. Effectiveness of prefabricated and customized foot orthoses made from low-cost foam for noncomplicated plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009;90:701-706.
Last reviewed September 2009 by Ross Zeltser, MD, FAAD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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