Plantarfascitis

Question 1

What is plantar fasciitis

Answer 1

Result of collagen degeneration of the plantar fascia at the origin, the calcanea, tuberosity of the heel and surrounding perifascial structures

Question 2

Epidemiology and risk factors of plantar fasciitis

Answer 2

Age,everyone but most common 40-60
High incidence in runners and athletes due to repetitive strain on the plantar fascia
Obesity, more strain through the foot
Foot mechanics, high arch, flat foot, abnormal walking patterns
Occupational features

Question 3

Clinical presentation of tb

Answer 3

Primary symptoms is the heel pain and pain at the arch of the food
Sharp and localised to the heel and arch of the foot
Worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting or standing
May decreases with activities but can worsen after prolonged use
Stiffness in the morning or after rest
Swelling, mild
“Walking in glass”
Limited Doris flexion and right Achilles
Limp or toe walking

Question 4

Systemic effects of plantar fasciitis

Answer 4

Altered gait, compensation for pain may lead to different walking patterns causing issues in other joints, knees and hips
Reduced activity levels, chronic pain result in decreased activity level which can broader health implications such as weight gain and decreased cardiovascular fitness
Psychological distresss

Question 5

Pathology of plantar fasciitis

Answer 5

Mechanism- repetitive strain, micro tears due to excessive tension
-histology so changes, degeneration of collagen fibres leads to inflammation of the tissue
-bio mechanical factors, abnormal foot mechanics (overpronation) contribute to increased stress

Question 6

Differential diagnosis of plantar fasciitis

Answer 6

Achilles tendinitis: inflammation of the Achilles
-hell spur syndrome; bone spurs can develop on the heel
-bursitis; inflammation of the bursa near the heel
-tarsal tunnel syndrome; compression of the nerves in the foot can lead to pain and numbness
-stress fractures: small cracks in the bone due to overuse can create local pain

Question 7

Treatment of plantar fasciitis

Answer 7

-rest; reducing activities which exacerbate symptoms
Ice therapy: reduce pain and swelling
Stretching exercises; calf’s and plantar fascia
Orthics ; arch support
Footwear modifications
Physical therapy
Corticosteroids injections
NSAIDs
Physical therapy