In the most basic terms, plantar fasciitis (fah-SHEE-eye-tis), is the inflammation of a thick, dense band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot.
As you take a step, and you pace your foot down, this connective tissue – the plantar fascia –stiffens the arch of your foot to cushion the impact of weightbearing.
Plantar fasciitis (PF) may occur more often in people with increased body weight, or with tight Achilles tendons. Also, people who have just taken up sports or athletes who play sports that involve repetitive impact may be affected.
HOW CAN I TELL IF I HAVE PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
One may feel a sharp, shooting pain in their heel when first walking in the morning, or after one has been resting/sitting for a long period. It may not be unusual to experience this pain in both heels. The heel pain usually eases throughout the day.
In more severe cases, one may walk with a limping gait and struggle to walk with their heel on the ground.
In these untreated cases, the pain may increase as physical activity increases, and it may radiate up the leg. One may experience heel swelling as well as pain even after prolonged sitting.
HOW IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS TREATED?
A history of heel pain (as described above) helps the doctor make a diagnosis.
On examination, Dr. Maina may conduct manoeuvres that will elicit a sharp, stabbing heel pain. An X-ray and other specialised tests may be conducted to rule out any other causes of heel pain.
HOW IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS DIAGNOSED?
Plantar fasciitis usually resolves on its own. Often with the help of a combination of anti-inflammatories, icing, rest, orthotics, rehabilitation, strapping and changing one’s activities over a prolonged period. Occasionally, local steroid injections at the heel may help resolve symptoms.
Longstanding pain from PF leads to limping and limitation in one’s activities. These changed walking patterns may lead to the knee and hip joints also being affected in the long run. If you suspect that you may be suffering from plantar fasciitis, please contact my rooms to book an appointment.
Dr Anne Maina
Specialist Orthopaedic surgeon
MBBCh (Wits), FC Orth (SA), MMed Ortho (Wits)
