conditions

This content is merely informational, it is not a proper substitute for seeing an experienced medical doctor.

plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis, a repetitive strain injury affecting the inferior aspect of the heel, is caused by excessive loading of the plantar fascia due to a naturally pronating foot, or fallen arch1. The constant strain on the connective tissue results in a series of micro-tears, which fail to heal for the tears are constantly being reopened by even cautious locomotion2. Symptoms present as localized tenderness on the inferior anteromedial aspect of the calcaneus, which is the origin of the tendonous band1. Prevalence of the condition is higher in runners, women, and in the middle aged and elderly. Obesity, occupational stress, and shoes with poor cushioning are factors that can increase one’s risk of developing symptoms2.

The medical standard of care for plantar fasciitis consists of, depending on severity, regimens of stretching, night splints, orthotic devices, corticosteroid injections, and a variety of surgical methods for crippling cases2, 3. The condition is frequently self-limiting, but treatment seems to hasten this recovery little, if at all3. As the condition resolves, orthotic devices can be very expensive, and corticosteroid injections for pain can cause permanent fat pad atrophy2. Regardless of severity, an alternative to corticosteroid injection and over the counter pain remedies would give those suffering symptoms a means to control pain without the severe side-effects.

Reference

  1. Buchbinder, R. Plantar fasciitis. New England Journal of Medicine. 350: 2159-66.
  2. Singh, D., Angel, J., Bentley, G., & Trevino, S. G. Fortnightly review: Plantar fasciitis. British Medical Journal. 7101: 172-5.
  3. Barrett, S. L., and O’Malley, R. Plantar fasciitis and other causes of heel pain. American Family Physician. 1999.