What is your plantar fascia?
Plantar Fascia is a thick, fibrous connective tissue that covers the bottom of the foot from the heel to the base of the metatarsals. The bottom of the foot is termed the “plantar” side, hence plantar fascia. Whenever the body has inflammation somewhere, the subfix “itis” is added to the end of the body part. Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia of the foot.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
- Intense pain on the bottom of the foot for the first few steps after getting out of bed
- Dull ache/burning with activity
- Tenderness along the middle of the arch
- Pain when standing on your toes
- Pain and tenderness after much walking
- Pain at the beginning of a run which gradually subsides after the body is warmed up
**These symptoms can halt your daily running routine in its tracks. Not to mention, it can be difficult to stand and walk as well.**
A cycle tends to be produced to guard from pain by changing the way you run or exercise, which then causes other muscles and joints to take on more work than they’re supposed to, leading to possible injury elsewhere. More specific to the area itself, constant impact can cause small microtears to the tissue, which will take longer to heal. The body, in an attempt to protect the area, starts to deposit calcium to vulnerable areas, leading to heel spurs, which are sharp protrusions of built up calcium at the site. Heel spurs are often treated by steroid injections for pain, but often end up in a surgical procedure to resolve the issue.
**Physical Therapy can help! Any time there is inflammation of a tendon, it can become a chronic issue that’s way longer lasting than it needs to be and may ultimately result from surgery. This is why you DON’T want to ignore these symptoms and will want to see a physical therapist at the onset of any of the symptoms listed above.**
How does plantar fasciitis start?
Your fascia can become inflamed a variety of ways. People with flat feet who don’t have the ability to absorb the shock of walking or running can develop it; weak arches may lead to this; weak hips and calves may also lead to this; poor mechanics while running may lead to this. The cause can be functional (how you move) or structural (how your muscles, tendons, and bones are built or conditioned).
Let Loudoun Sports Therapy Center get you back to pain free walking, running, and exercise! CALL TODAY at 703-450-4300. Our Physical Therapists will develop an individualized treatment plan for your specific needs.
CLICK HERE for more on how physical therapy can help you.
By: Kiara Holmes, ATC
