Plantar Fasciitis / Policeman’s Heel
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated and inflamed. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that helps to support the arch of the foot. It also acts as a shock absorber, absorbing impact as we walk or run.
When this tissue becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause significant pain and discomfort. Plantar fasciitis is most commonly caused by overuse, such as from running or other high-impact activities. It can also be caused by improper footwear, obesity, or tight calf muscles.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis typically involves rest, ice, and stretching exercises. In some cases, physical therapy or orthotic devices may be necessary. Surgery is rarely required.
Plantar fasciitis usually occurs when there is overuse of the ligament. This can mean a new activity (longer walks or training for a marathon), certain foot types like flatfoot, or an increase in body weight. Usually the cause is multifactorial which is why a detailed assessment is so important.
Another important reason for an evaluation is because plantar fasciitis is only one reason for heel pain. There are many other causes of heel pain like a stress fracture, nerve entrapment or a tumor. I go deeper into this topic here.
Imaging can be an important part of confirming the diagnosis. In this article here I discuss the importance of imaging when a patient has heel pain.
Once the diagnosis is established, a treatment plan is created for the patient. My goal is to implement the most effective treatment plan that minimizes disruption of the activities you enjoy most.
Some basic treatments include:
- Stretching
- Orthotics
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Massage
- Activity and Shoe modifications
- Cortisone Injections
Some more advanced options include:
- Radial shockwave treatment
- Platelet-rich plasma injections
- Surgery