What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
It is quoted that 80% of heel pain is due to plantar fasciitis. 1 in 10 people will suffer from these symptoms in their lifetime. It is usually more common in 40-60 year olds and is typically one sided but up to a third of people can have it in both feet.
In this blog, we will cover what the plantar fascia is and it’s role in foot mechanics, as well as common symptoms and causes of plantar facsciitis.
What is the plantar fascia?
Well, ‘plantar’ basically means ‘under the sole of the foot’. The plantar fascia is an extremely important structure that runs from a bony bump on the under side of your heel bone (calcaneal tuberosity), fans out in a triangular shape and then attaches to the balls of the feet (metatarsal heads).
Made up of a thick connective tissue called ‘fascia’ (a web-like matrix that connects everything in your body, giving it shape, and most importantly absorbing forces placed upon it), the plantar fascia helps to support the medial arch of the foot. Essentially it acts like a spring. Research shows that the plantar fascia can absorb up to 14% of the total load of the body during walking and running.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Well, as used in many medical terms, ‘itis’ is latin for inflammation. So plantar fasciitis basically means inflammation under the sole of the foot. More specifically this is inflammation at the point where the fascia attaches to the heel bone.
A more correct term is plantar fasciopathy, ‘opathy’ meaning ‘disorder of’, as this accounts for the chronic nature of the condition. Most people suffering with symptoms for months when it is left untreated. This is due to the fact that over time, the inflammation becomes more degenerative in nature due to a build up of scar tissue and a ‘disrepair’ of the natural healing process.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis symptoms include:
- heel pain with first few steps in the morning
- heel pain walking after a prolonged period of sitting
- pain with prolonged standing
- pain that is worse walking on harder surfaces
- It is typically worse in unsupportive footwear such as sandals
Pain can improve with movement but is often aggravated again with prolonged walking or standing.
Causes of plantar fasciitis
Common causes include:
- Poor supportive footwear
- Overloading e.g. long hikes, extra hours on feet, increasing walking
- Classically occurs between 40-60yr olds
- More common in females
- Obesity
- Walking on hard surfaces
- Flat foot posture
If you suspect you have plantar fasciitis, you are likely to find our next blog on the best treatment for plantar fasciitis helpful.
If you have any questions regarding plantar fasciitis or any other injury, you can book an appointment online here or call our friendly reception team on 0114 267 8181.
