fasciitis

fasciitis /fas·ci·itis/ (fas-e-i´tis) inflammation of a fascia.

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eosinophilic fasciitis  inflammation of fasciae of the limbs, with eosinophilia, edema, and swelling, often after strenuous exercise.

necrotizing fasciitis  a gas-forming, fulminating, necrotic infection of the superficial and deep fascia, resulting in thrombosis of the subcutaneous vessels and gangrene of the underlying tissues. It is usually caused by multiple pathogens and is frequently associated with diabetes mellitus.

nodular fasciitis  a benign, reactive proliferation of fibroblasts in the subcutaneous tissues, commonly affecting the deep fascia, usually in young adults.

proliferative fasciitis  a benign reactive proliferation of fibroblasts in subcutaneous tissues, resembling nodular fasciitis but characterized also by basophilic giant cells and occurrence in the skeletal muscles in older adults.

pseudosarcomatous fasciitis  nodular f.

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fas·ci·i·tis (fsh-ts, fs-)

n.

1. Inflammation in a fascia.

2. The proliferation of fibroblasts in a fascia.

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fasciitis

[fas′ē·ī′tis]

1 an inflammation of the connective tissue that may be caused by streptococcal or other types of infection, an injury, or an autoimmune reaction.

2 an abnormal benign growth (pseudosarcomatous fasciitis) resembling a tumor that develops in the subcutaneous oral tissues, usually in the cheek. Commonly growing rapidly and then regressing, it consists of young fibroblasts and many capillaries and may be mistaken for fibrosarcoma. Also spelled fascitis [fasī′tis] .

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fasciitis (fsī´tis),

n a tumorlike growth occurring in subcutaneous tissues in the oral cavity, usually in the cheek. A benign lesion sometimes mistaken for fibrosarcoma, fasciitis consists of young fibroblasts and numerous capillaries. It grows rapidly and may regress spontaneously.

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fasciitis

inflammation of a fascia.

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necrotizing fasciitis

a gas-forming, fulminating, necrotic infection of the superficial and deep fascia, resulting in thrombosis of the subcutaneous vessels and gangrene of the underlying tissues. It is usually caused by multiple pathogens.

nodular fasciitis, proliferative fasciitis

see nodular fasciitis.

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fasciitis

Orthopedics Inflammation of a fascia. See Eosinophilic faciitis, Necrotizing fasciitis, Nodular fasciitis.

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Patient discussion about fasciitis.

Q. Is there any good source for heel pain relief, besides NSAIDs? My heel pain is most severe at night when I sleep. It's as if the way I position my feet worsen the condition, but I'm at a loss to know how to position my feet. During the day my heels feel so but don't typically bother me.

A. I have found that keeping my feet flexed (the position they are in when standing) helps ease the pain of plantar facitis. I also don't let my feet get cold(wear socks)and keep heavy blankets and quilts off the feet. Placing a box under the covers at the foot of the bed will help keep the blankets up. Do try the exercises recommended on the above web sites. It usually resolves in about 6 months. Best wishes!

Q. Can anyone suggest a treatment for plantar fasciitis, apart from ultrasound, physio, anti-inflammatory agents? My friend has had Plantar Fasciitis for more than 1 year and has persevered with all the ususal treatments above plus lots of rest from weight-bearing and elevation.

A. Padded foot splints, silicone heels insert and special shoes (e.g. arch-supporting shoes) may also help. These are usually sold and fitted by a professional. Exercise is another important measure. Some patients benefit from avoiding walking barefoot or in sleepers but rather using shoes from the first step.

More advanced treatments include steroid-local anesthetics injections, botulinum toxin (similar to botox) injections and surgery.

The prognosis is usually favorable, and most patients achieve relief of the pain.

However, all of the above is just for general knowledge - if you have any specific question, you may want to consult a doctor.

You may read more here:
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007021.htm

Q. Has anyone found good stretching exercises for plantar fasciitis? Hurt my foot running & need exercise!

A. Before you get out of bed in the morning, and then periodically throughout the day, do the following exercises to increase flexibility and ease pain (cause this is the only way to live with heel pain!)
slowly flex your foot and toes to stretch the tissue on the bottom of your sore foot. Hold the stretch for 10 counts. Relax and repeat.

Do gentle ankle rolls to keep the tissues around the ankle and on the back of the heel flexible.
Sit on the edge of your bed and roll your foot back and forth over a tennis ball.