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Plantar Fasciitis Arch Pain
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of a thick, fibrous ligament in the arch of the foot called the plantar fascia.
The plantar fascia attaches into the heel bone and fans out toward the
ball of the foot, attaching into the base of the toes. If this ligament
is stretched excessively it will become inflamed and begin to cause
pain. In severe instances the ligament can rupture resulting in
immediate severe pain. If the ligament ruptures the pain is so great
that the patient can not place weight on the foot. Should this happen,
the foot should be elevated and an ice pack applied. An appointment
with your foot doctor should be made at your earliest convenience.
Sports such as tennis, racket ball, and aerobics can cause extreme
tension on the plantar fascia resulting in small tears or rupture of
the ligament. However, other less stressful activities can result in
tears or rupture of the plantar fascia under the right set of
circumstances. (For a more through discussion of the cause of plantar
fasciitis see heel pain) One consequence of small tears in the plantar fascia is the formation of firm nodules within the plantar fascia, called fibromas. Diagnosis Taking a through history of the course of the condition and physical exam makes the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. Treatment Treatment of plantar fasciitis is similar to that for heel pain.
Cortisone injections may be used for the treatment of plantar
fascitits. The main emphasis of treatment is to reduce the forces that
are causing the plantar fascia to stretch excessively. This includes calf muscle stretching,night splints, over the counter arch supports, and orthotics.
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