PLANTAR FASCIITIS

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse condition affecting the band of tissue on the sole of the foot. It is typically experienced in sports such as running and dancing that involve weight bearing on the front ball of the foot. It is also commonly seen in women who wear shoes that are high and unsupportive.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Usually plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury which means it develops over time. The ‘mechanics’ of human movement is referred to medically as biomechanics. Plantar fasciitis, like patello-femoral pain syndrome and shin pain is often associated with poor biomechanics. Sufferers of plantar fasciitis commonly experience other lower limb problems related to their biomechanics. People with plantar fasciitis commonly have tight calves and reduced control in the muscles that support their ankles. They often pronate or roll their ankles in while walking and running. Like other biomechanical problems plantar fasciitis often comes on when people change their foot wear, volume or type of training.

How can physiotherapy help plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and debilitating if not treated appropriately. Any stretch to the sole of the foot can cause pain. Too often we see people who have left the problem for too long hobble into the clinic. Treatment involves pain relief with ice and strapping with sports tape. Your physiotherapist will prescribe a specific stretch and strengthening program to suit your problem. Identifying and correcting the cause of the problem is essential to ensure complete resolution of the problem and safe return to sport. When you make your physiotherapy appointment bring your sport shoes and work shoes as your Sports Physiotherapist can often temporarily modify your footwear to give extra support and pain relief.

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