Plantar fasciitis
Specialty of Orthopaedic surgery
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia by overloading or stretching. The plantar fascia is a thick ligament in the sole of the foot which connects the heel with the toes. This inflammation causes pain as you walk about, usually first thing in the morning, which flares up when standing after sitting for a long period.
Prognosis:
Non-surgical treatments reduce pain in almost all cases. It may take several months before symptoms improve. Some people require surgery to reduce the pain.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
Generally, this condition causes pain and rigidity in the lower part of the heel.
The pain is usually accompanied by the following symptoms in the lower part of the heel:
- Slight swelling
- Reddening
- Tenderness
Tests for plantar fasciitis:
To diagnose plantar fasciitis, the patient’sclinical history is evaluated and a physical examination is performed. The examination determines which stage the plantar fasciitis is at. Next, the specialist performs a gait analysis and evaluates whether the inflammation of the plantar fascia is related to the way the patient walks. An X-ray scan or MRI scan might be performed to rule out bone problems and potential pinched nerves.
What are the causes of plantar fasciitis?
The causes of plantar fasciitis is when the tension on the tissue becomes too great, causing inflammation. It is more likely to occur in people who:
- Do sports frequently
- Are obese
- Have a tight Achilles tendon
- Have foot arch problems
Can plantar fasciitis be prevented?
This can be difficult to prevent, however, maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the chances of this developing. However, if you frequently do exercises such as running, dancing, or aerobics, plantar fasciitis can develop. In addition, checking that the ankle, Achilles tendon and calf muscles are flexible may help to prevent plantar fasciitis. It may also be helpful to stretch the plantar fascia in the morning before you get out of bed and to perform physical activities in moderation.
Treatments for plantar fasciitis:
There are different treatments for this condition but the first option considered is conservative treatments, including rest, applying ice to the painful area and stretching over several months. Massaging and stretching the fascia, can help to provide symptoms relief.
Other, more novel techniques are infiltration of growth factors, intratissue percutaneous electrolysis (EPI) and shock waves, which have all been demonstrated to be highly effective treatments in the acute phase.
Moreover, more and more tools are becoming available for the manufacturing of very precise individualised shoe insoles. One such technique uses a laser to obtain a virtual 3D mould of the patient’s foot.
In very specific cases in which none of the above treatments have worked, plantar fascia surgery should be performed. During this surgery, the tendon is partially or totally released or, if a heal spur is present, the heel spur is reduced.
Which specialist treats it?
An orthopaedic specialist can help to treat plantar fasciitis.
Articles related to Plantar fasciitis
Deal with your heel! A guide to how heel pain can be treated
By Mr Paul Hamilton
2018-10-20
Top orthpaedic surgeon Mr Paul Hamilton ends his series of articles on heel pain with a guide to treatment See more
Why does my heel hurt so much? A brief guide to heel pain
By Mr Paul Hamilton
2018-10-20
Do you have an ache or pain in your heel that just won’t go away? Check out our quick guide to heel pain, Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis! See more
Plantar fasciitis, a.k.a ‘policeman’s heel’
By Mr Paul Hamilton
2018-10-18
Plantar fasciitis is one of the main causes of heel pain, along with Achilles tendinopathy. What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, and can it be cured? Find out here! See more
Ankle pain – getting the diagnosis right.
By Mr Paul Hamilton
2018-10-14
Have you ever suffered from foot and ankle pain? Learn more about the causes of ankle pain, including ankle sprains and Achilles tendon tears. See more
Experts in Plantar fasciitis
-
Mr Paul Hamilton
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Bunion (hallux valgus)
- Achilles tendon
- Arthritis
- Ankle arthroscopy
- Morton's neuroma
- Plantar fasciitis
-
Mr Charles Willis-Owen
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Knee arthroscopy
- Anterior cruciate ligament
- Knee replacement
- Sports injuries
- Plantar fasciitis
- Osteoarthritis
Mr Paul Hamilton
The Northey Suite, Epsom Hospital, Dorking Road, Epsom, Epsom
(Let us know you are a Top Doctors patient)
Ashtead Hospital, The Warren, Ashtead, Ashtead
(Let us know you are a Top Doctors patient)
St Anthony's Hospital, 801 London Rd, Cheam, Worcester Park, Sutton, South London
(Let us know you are a Top Doctors patient)
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
Mr Charles Willis-Owen
67 Lansdowne Road, Bournemouth, Bournemouth
(Let us know you are a Top Doctors patient)
Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth
(Let us know you are a Top Doctors patient)
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors