PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, also called aponeurosis, the fibrous membrane that links the heel bone to the toes. The fascia’s role is to attach the arch of the foot to the bone and to provide support for it. Fasciitis usually causes pain to the heel and sometimes in the arch of the foot itself.

An intense leisure or work-related activity, excess weight, or an imbalance of the function of the foot may cause the fascia to stretch, thus provoking an inflammation at the point of insertion (plantar fasciitis).

Plantar fasciitis is also called “Lenoir’s thorn syndrome,” Lenoir’s thorn being a calcification of the plantar fascia that is only visible through radiography.

TREATMENT OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS

An assessment of the mechanical function of the foot and the inferior limbs by the podiatrist may help to identify the origin of plantar fasciitis.

To treat plantar fasciitis, the podiatrist may recommend:
• Suspending or adjusting physical activities temporarily;
• Applying ice on the heel several times a day;
• Regular stretching and relaxing exercises;
• Manual therapy, ultra-sound or laser treatments;
• Pads for the heels;
• Plantar orthoses;
• Medication, anti-inflammatory capsules;
• Cortisone injections in the heel.

In most cases, plantar orthoses are necessary in the treatment.

Feel free to request a consultation.

Source : Ordre des podiatres du Québec