Plantar fasciitis
"If not treated properly, it can lead to various complications, such as the formation of a heel spur. It can also alter walking and posture, increasing pressure on other parts of the foot and leading to joint and vertebral column problems".
DR. RAFAEL LLOMBART BLANCO
SPECIALIST. ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY AND TRAUMATOLOGY DEPARTMENT
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects the sole of the foot, specifically the plantar fascia, a connective tissue that extends from the heel to the toes. This condition can cause significant pain and discomfort in the heel and arch region of the foot.
If not treated properly, it can lead to a number of complications. One of these, and the most common, is the formation of a heel spur, which is a bony growth in the heel that can contribute to discomfort in the affected area.
In addition, chronic plantar fasciitis can alter walking and posture, increasing pressure on other parts of the foot and leading to joint and vertebral column problems.
Quality of life may also be affected due to limited daily activities and sports.
It is therefore crucial to seek medical attention and follow appropriate treatment to minimise the risk of these complications and achieve an effective recovery.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis manifests itself through a number of distinctive symptoms including pain in the heel and arch area of the foot, accompanied by stiffness and sometimes swelling.
The time when the pain most often intensifies is when taking the first steps in the morning, just after getting out of bed or standing up from a sitting position.
In addition, the pain may be accentuated during activities that involve prolonged standing or walking.
What are the most common symptoms?
- Heel pain
- Pain in the arch of the foot
- Foot stiffness
- Swelling of the area
Do you have any of these symptoms?
You may have plantar fasciitis
What are the causes of plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis develops due to excessive stress on the plantar fascia.
Possible causes and risk factors include repetitive movements or improper footwear.
It is more common in people aged 40 to 60 years and in people who participate in high-impact sports that put pressure on the foot area, such as running, basketball, ballet or racket sports, among others.
How to prevent the development of plantar fasciitis?
The prevention of plantar fasciitis involves taking steps to reduce stress on the plantar fascia and minimise risk factors. Here are some guidelines that can help prevent plantar fasciitis:
Wear proper footwear
Wear shoes that provide good arch support and adequate cushioning. Avoid flat or worn-out shoes, which can increase pressure on the plantar fascia. Alternate between different types of footwear so as not to continually overload the same area of the foot.
Control your weight
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your feet and arch.
Avoid high-impact activities
If you play high-impact sports, be sure to wear proper athletic shoes and warm up and stretch before and after activity.
Moderate time on your feet
If you are in a profession that requires standing for long periods of time, try to take regular breaks and rest your feet whenever possible.
How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of fasciitis is based on a thorough clinical examination by the medical professional, in which the patient's symptoms, such as heel and arch pain, are assessed. Risk factors, such as the type of footwear worn and physical activity, as well as the patient's medical history and medical history are also important to gain a full picture of the situation.
In addition, further imaging tests, such as X-rays and ultrasound scans, may be performed to confirm the presence of inflammation in the plantar fascia.
Some professionals may also use infrared thermography techniques to observe areas of inflammation. With this information, it is possible to establish an accurate diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
It is essential to seek medical attention to obtain a proper diagnosis and receive the necessary treatment to alleviate discomfort.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
Treatment of plantar fasciitis is usually conservative in most cases. It is a therapeutic approach that includes rest, physical therapy, appropriate footwear and self-care measures.
In the first phase, it is recommended to reduce activities that exacerbate pain, such as running or walking long distances. A crucial aspect is physiotherapy, which includes stretching exercises for the calf muscles and the sole of the foot, strengthening the muscle structure and improving mobility.
The use of appropriate shoes is fundamental in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Footwear with good arch support and adequate cushioning is recommended.
It is essential to carry out a detailed biomechanical analysis of the patient's gait to determine if the cause of plantar fasciitis is related to the tread pattern. If this is the case, custom-made orthopedic insoles for plantar fasciitis will be designed to facilitate the "decompression" of the fascia and relieve the pain.
In addition to the above measures, there are more advanced treatments that may be considered if pain persists. Among these is extracorporeal shock wave therapy, which has been shown to be effective for pain relief in refractory plantar fasciitis. Corticosteroid injection is another option that may provide temporary relief, although many sessions are not recommended because it may weaken the tendon in the long term.
As a last resort, for cases of plantar fasciitis that do not respond to the above measures, surgery may be an option. However, it should always be considered after all other treatment options have been exhausted.
Where do we treat it?
IN NAVARRE AND MADRID
The Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
The Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology covers the full spectrum of congenital or acquired conditions of the musculoskeletal system including trauma and its aftermath.
Since 1986, the Clinica Universidad de Navarra has had an excellent bank of osteotendinous tissue for bone grafting and offers the best therapeutic alternatives.
Organized in care units
- Hip and knee.
- Spine.
- Upper extremity.
- Pediatric orthopedics.
- Ankle and foot.
- Musculoskeletal tumors.
Why at the Clinica?
- Experts in arthroscopic surgery.
- Highly qualified professionals who perform pioneering techniques to solve traumatological injuries.
- One of the centers with the most experience in bone tumors.
Our team of professionals
Traumatology specialists with experience in treating plantar fasciitis
Frequently asked questions about plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can be a long-term condition, but is usually not permanent.
With proper treatment that may include physical therapy, appropriate footwear, and in more severe cases, surgical interventions, most patients experience significant relief of symptoms and can resume normal activities.
For people suffering from plantar fasciitis, it is advisable to wear shoes that offer good support, especially in the arch and heel.
Shoes with adequate cushioning, a solid base and room for the toes can help minimize pressure and stress on the sole of the foot, thus promoting recovery.
Plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain at the base of the heel, which may be more intense in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
This pain differs from other foot conditions, such as bone spurs or Achilles tendonitis, which may have different locations and pain patterns. It is important to have an accurate diagnosis from a medical professional to ensure proper treatment.
Although plantar fasciitis is common in people who engage in intense physical activity, such as runners, it is not limited to athletes.
It can also affect people who spend a lot of time on their feet, people who are overweight, or those who have certain anatomical features of the foot, such as flat feet or high arches.
Yes, being overweight can be a risk factor for plantar fasciitis.
Excess weight increases pressure on the sole of the foot, which can contribute to inflammation of the tissue at the base of the heel, causing plantar fasciitis.
Yes, performing regular, specific stretches for plantar fasciitis can help relieve symptoms.
Stretches for the Achilles tendon and sole of the foot can increase flexibility and reduce stress on the plantar fascia, thus helping to relieve pain.
Most cases of plantar fasciitis can be effectively treated with non-surgical methods, such as physical therapy, changes in footwear and the use of orthopedic inserts.
However, in severe and persistent cases where these methods do not provide relief, surgical intervention may be considered.