Plantar Fasciitis – Part 1 - Health Plus Digest

Plantar Fasciitis is a very common cause of pain in the foot, from the heel to the ball of the foot. The pain is the result of a thick band of fascia tissue that runs from the toes to the heel. This plantar fascia is a long thin ligament that you can feel directly below the skin. The condition of plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of that tissue. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, approximately 2 million people will be treated for the condition every year. (1)

The plantar fascia experiences a lot of wear and tear in the body because it is a shock absorber and supports the arch of the foot. When there is undue pressure on the arch of the foot or pressure on the foot it can damage those ligaments. Increased pressure can be caused by tight calf muscles, tight Achilles tendon or tight plantar fascia. Individuals who are obese or overweight will also cause an increased amount of pressure to the plantar fascia.

Other causes of the inflammation of the tendon can also include a drastic or sudden increase in activities, such as runners mileage or time on the basketball court or soccer field. Overuse, overpronation without correction or old shoes that don’t offer enough support can also increase the amount of pressure on the tissue and increase the risk of inflammation.

References:

(1) American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00149

Resources:

American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Societ: Plantar Fasciitis

http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/conditions/ailments-of-the-heel/Pages/Plantar-Fasciitis.aspx

Sports Injury Clinic: Plantar Fasciitis

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/foot-heel-pain/plantar-fasciitis

SportsMedicine: Plantar Fasciitis

http://www.sportsmed.org/uploadedFiles/Content/Patient/Sports_Tips/ST%20Plantar%20Fasciitis%2008.pdf

Runners World: Plantar Fasciitis

http://www.runnersworld.com/tag/plantar-fasciitis