plantar fasciitis

plantar fasciitis

n.

Inflammation of the fascia on the plantar surface of the foot, usually at the attachment to the heel, often making it painful to walk.

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plantar fasciitis

Heel spur syndrome Orthopedics The most common cause of inferior heel pain, usually of the medial aspect of the plantar fascia as it attaches to the inferior medical calcaneal tuberosity; the pain is usually worse in the morning and persists as a dull, toothache-like pain, exacerbated by ↑ activity, lasting up to 6-12 months; the medial insertion of the plantar fascia on the calcaneus may be tender; extension of the great toe can cause Sx; cavus feet or pronation on gait may be evident on exam Management Cross-friction ice massage, arch exercises, stretches, heel cups, NSAIDs, arch pads/orthotics, night splints, physical therapy

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Patient discussion about plantar 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.