Plantar Fasciitis: Analysis of Symptoms, Causes and Available Treatments
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Plantar fasciitis, also known as plantar aponeurositis, is a condition that can seriously impact your quality of life. This condition is part of the overall framework of posterior muscular chain contraction. Plantar fasciitis refers to pain that can occur throughout the plantar fascia, or plantar aponeurosis, which extends from the base of the heel to the base of the toes.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
Identification of symptoms
The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are mainly characterized by pain in the sole of the foot, more specifically in the arch and heel area. This pain is mechanical, often more intense in the morning when taking the first steps, or after even a short period of rest, and must be differentiated from other conditions such as compartment syndrome, which can also cause foot pain. It may also appear after periods of intense activity. It is important to note that the pain can vary in intensity and frequency from one person to another, and it can be felt in one or both feet.
Symptom progression
Over time, without treatment, the symptoms of plantar fasciitis can worsen. The pain may become more severe with difficulties in finding comfortable shoes. Symptoms can appear very quickly; just one instance, or an unusual physical activity, can lead to plantar fasciitis. Treatment may require several months to achieve complete relief. It is therefore recommended not to ignore plantar fasciitis in order to limit the duration of any potential treatment.
Causes of plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a very common, benign condition, for which it is preferable to obtain an early diagnosis to try to limit its duration.
Risk factors
Plantar fasciitis is often associated with certain risk factors. Among these, overweight is a determining factor. Indeed, a high body weight can put excessive pressure on the plantar arch, which can cause painful tension of the plantar fascia. In addition, people who engage in intense physical activity, especially runners, are also more likely to develop this condition.
Common causes
Among the common causes of plantar fasciitis, there is also poor posture, wearing inappropriate shoes for the sport being performed, or excessive tension in the calf muscles as part of a contracture of the sural Achilles plantar system.
Plantar fasciitis treatments
Functional treatments
Functional measures are sufficient in most cases to cure plantar fatigue. The success rate is around 90 % after one year. It may therefore take a year to be completely relieved from plantar fatigue as long as functional measures are followed.
- Stretching of the posterior muscle chains, especially the gastrocnemius muscles, is systematically recommended. The sural Achilles plantar system tends to contract, the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon are very rigid, so the action is more effective at the level of the calf muscles to relieve tension in the system. These exercises can be done as self-rehabilitation at home.
- It is necessary to stay sufficiently hydrated on a daily basis and during sports activities.
- A magnesium supplement may be suggested to help with muscle relaxation.
- Wearing commercially available shock-absorbing insoles can provide real relief.
- Massages of the plantar fascia can be done manually or with the help of a tennis ball, for example.
- Cryotherapy does not seem logical to us since cold tends to cause tissue contraction.
- It is necessary to have a pair of shoes suitable for each sporting activity. You should also regularly change your sports shoes as they tend to lose their cushioning effect even if the shoes remain in good condition and you still like them.
Medical treatments
Medical treatments for plantar fasciitis may include painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications.
We do not recommend cortisone injections as they can be potentially very painful, with a risk of complete rupture at the insertion of the plantar fascia. In the event of a complete rupture, no therapeutic alternative can be offered.
Rehabilitation measures
Rehabilitation sessions using the Mézières method are frequently suggested. These sessions allow for a global stretching of the posterior muscle chains, from the back to the tips of the toes.
Exercises and orthotics
Regular exercise and the use of plantar orthotics can play a role in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Strengthening and stretching exercises can help improve stability and foot strength, while plantar orthotics can provide necessary support and improve weight distribution on the foot, particularly in cases of flat foot.
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment of plantar fasciitis remains exceptional. In cases where functional and medical treatments fail, surgical treatment may be suggested.
The procedure involves a controlled and localized lengthening of the plantar fascia, this is a selective plantar fasciotomy performed percutaneously. As the healing of the plantar fascia is potentially prone to contraction, it is recommended to continue self-rehabilitation sessions of stretching the posterior muscle chains postoperatively.
Conclusion
The Foot and Ankle Clinic is at your disposal for the diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative follow-up of any condition of the foot and ankle you may be suffering from. Patients with chronic osteoarticular infections, tumor lesions, or advanced lesions caused by diabetes are systematically referred to a specialized hospital center.