Introduction
Plantar fasciitis is a chronic injury which causes pain and inflammation at the origin of the plantar fascia on the plantar surface of the heel. The pain is exacerbated in the mornings after getting up or after long rest periods. Plantar fasciitis is frequently seen in athletic populations, but it is also observed in the sedentary population. Chronic inflammation and may also cause calcification at the origin of the plantar fascia and bony traction spur formation. Ten percent of the population experience plantar heel pain at some point during their lifetime and plantar fasciitis accounts for approximately 1% of all outpatient visits to orthopaedic clinics. (Crawford, 2005; Lee et al., 2007).
Functional Anatomy
The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue that normally measures 3mm-3.8 mm in thickness which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, from the heel to the toes. It forms the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. It comprises of three bundles: central, lateral, and medial. It is the principle static and dynamic stabiliser of the longitudinal arches of the foot. It also acts as a shock absorber and helps to protect the underlying soft tissues.
During the toe off portion of gait cycle, the windlass effect on the plantar fascia of the plantar fascia tightening this raises the longitudinal arches to rise. This helps generate a more rigid foot for propulsion. During heel strike the plantar fascia relaxes, flattening the arch. This allows the foot to absorb shock and accommodate irregularities in the walking surface.
(Puttaswamaiah and Chandran, 2007).
Subjective
Pain is most frequently described as sharp rather than dull and is especially prominent first thing in the morning when the patients place their feet on the ground for the first time.
People frequently report that walking helps initially, and they often try to stretch the longitudinal arch to try and break down what they feel are painful adhesions. Although walking helps initially, the pain reoccurs with further exertion.
Objective
Biomechanical analysis of the lower limb, assessing the kinetic chain during functional movements (squat, single leg squat, running technique etc)
Excessive pronation of the foot during gait (pes planus)
Reduced ROM with ankle Dorsiflexion
Tight triceps surae (Gastrocnemius/Soleus)
Pain on passive Dorsiflexion of ankle
Pain on palpation of plantar fascia at calcaneal origin.
Abductor Hallucis tightness.
Navicular drop lower on affected side
Positive windlass test
Differential Diagnosis
Achilles tendinopathy
Complete rupture of the plantar fascia.
Subcalcaneal bursitis.
Medial calcaneal nerve entrapment (tibial nerve).
Tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Rupture fat pad Sever’s disease.
Calcaneal stress fracture.
Treatment
Massage, trigger point therapy to triceps surae, plantar fascia
Specific stretching should be to the gastrocnemius/soleus complex, the hamstrings and the
plantar fascia itself for 3-5 times a week, 2-3 reps for 30 secs hold (De Maio et al., 1993; Pfeffer, 1997)
Strengthening of the triceps surae, tibialis posterior and anterior abductor hallucis (to reduce navicular drop and pronation), intrinsic muscles of the foot and the medial loingitudinal arch of the foot (Guijosa et al., 2006)
Resisted inversion, eversion of the ankle
Modified heel lifts
Short foot exercise
Toe flare out
Eccentric heel drops
Orthotics can help reduce excessive pronation and foot instability however for patients to become less reliant on orthotic inserts using supportive taping and exercise to improve foot biomechanics during functional activities may be more effective and place more emphasis on the patient to strengthen their intrinsic foot muscles, supports and ankle stability.
(Guijosa, 2006; Bartold, 2004; Jung et al., 2011)
Conclusion
Plantar fasciitis can be a cause of heel pain for recreational athletes
, long distance runners and sportsmen and women in general. It can also affect the sedentary and obese. It its most likely caused by overuse or ineffeicient biomechanics of people during functional movements. Hopefully above I have shown its function, diagnosis and treatment methods to help rehabilitate and improve on the injury.
Any comments on peoples own experience on treating or dealing with this injury would be greatly appreciated
References
Bartold, S.J. (2004). The plantar fascia as a source of pain—biomechanics, presentation and treatment Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 8 (3), 214-226.
Guijosa, A.L., Muñoz, I., de La Fuente, M and Cura-Ituarte. P. (2007) Fascitis plantar: revisión del tratamiento basado en la evidencia. Reumatología Clínica, 3 (4), 159–165.
Puttaswamaiah, R. and Chandran, P. (2007) Degenerative plantar fasciitis: A review of current concepts, The Foot,17(1), 3-9.
Yong Lee, S., McKeon, P. and Hertel, J. (2009)Does the use of orthoses improve self-reported pain and function measures in patients with plantar fasciitis? A meta-analysis
Physical Therapy in Sport,10 (1)12-18.
sports injury specialist 