Plantar Fasciitis

Get to know plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia and the surrounding soft tissue due to trauma or overuse. The condition may affect all age groups, but most commonly occurs in women between 40-60 years old.

Cause of plantar fasciitis

• The foot undergoes excessive stress with prolonged standing or walking
• Overuse of the calf muscles or prolonged stress on the foot due to long term use of poor shoe wear such as high heels, narrow shoes or shoes with very hard bottom
• Individual factors such as flat feet and overweight

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis

• Heel pain, especially when getting out of bed or standing up after prolonged sitting
• Heel pain after prolonged standing or walking
• Swelling or temperature increase on the plantar side of the foot
• Tightness in the calf muscle
• In serious conditions, pain is felt anytime the foot is bearing weight

Physiotherapy for plantar fasciitis

• Manual therapy
  Deep friction massage on the plantar fascia can increase blood circulation and the flexibility of the fascia.
• Cryotherapy
  Cryotherapy can be used to control the swelling and pain.
• Electrotherapy
  Electrotherapy such as ultrasound and IFT can be used to increase blood circulation and thus reduce inflammation.
• Acupuncture
  Certain Acu-points can be used to decrease the heel pain.
• Exercise
  Appropriate stretching exercise can increase the flexibility of the calf muscles and the plantar fascia.
• Foot care suggestions
  Appropriate shoe wear and insole can improve the alignment of the foot.

Prevention and maintenance

• Adequate rest for the foot. Avoid prolonged standing or walking.
• Appropriate exercise such as stretching for the calf and thigh muscles.
• Appropriate shoe wear, such as shoes with soft bottom and good shock absorption function; avoid wearing high heels or shoes with too thin a bottom.
• Adequate exercise and balanced diet; avoid overweight.