Plantar Fasciitis

Question 1

What is fascia?

Answer 1

Provides support for the foot arch and acts as a shock absorber.

Question 2

What is plantar fasciitis?

Answer 2

An overuse condition where the plantar fascia joins the calcaneus is inflamed.

Question 3

What are the predisposing factors of plantar fasciitis?

Answer 3

Common in people with abnormal foot arches (cavus foot (curved) or planus foot (flat)) where more strain is put on the fascia to maintain a stable arch.
Also linked to tight muscles in posterior leg (calf, hamstrings, gluteals) cause and effect?

Question 4

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Answer 4

Occurs as a result of over activity in activities that require maximal plantarflexion (eg running or dancing).

Question 5

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Answer 5

Pain in the medial heel, pain worsens after period of inactivity.

Question 6

How would you treat plantar fasciitis?

Answer 6

Stretching through toes
Massage (can be done using a golf ball)
Heel supports
Strengthening exercises for foot (toes each to floor)
More supportive footwear
Occasionally surgery required if problem persists.