What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. Various terms have
been used to describe plantar fasciitis, including jogger’s heel, tennis heel,
policeman’s heel, and even gonorrheal heel. Although a misnomer, this
condition is sometimes referred to as heel spurs by the general public.
The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your
toes. The plantar fascia supports the arch of your foot. If you strain your plantar
fascia, it gets weak, swollen, and irritated. Then your heel or the bottom of your
foot hurts when you stand or walk.
There are many diagnoses within the differential of heel pain; however, plantar
fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain for which professional care is
sought. Approximately 10% of the American population experiences heel pain,
which results in one million visits per year to medical professionals for treatment
of plantar fasciitis.
How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis
The key for the proper treatment of plantar fasciitis is determining what is
causing the excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. When the cause is overpronation (flat feet), an orthotic with rearfoot posting and longitudinal arch
support is an effective device to reduce the over-pronation and allow the
condition to heal.