PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Inflammation of the plantar fascia or arch connective tissue of the foot. It is an overuse injury causing heel pain which may radiate forward into the foot. Plantar fasciitis can also be known as a heel spur although they are not strictly the same. The Plantar Fascia or arch tissue is a broad, thick band of connective tissue that runs from under the heel to the front of the foot. A rupture can sometimes occur at the origin of the arch tissue and result in inflammation and pain.
SYMPTOMS
- Heel pain, under the heel and usually on the inside, at the origin of the attachment of the fascia.
- Sometimes there may also be pain along the outside border of the heel. This may occur due to the offloading of the painful side of the heel by walking on the outside border of the foot. It may also be associated with the high impact of landing on the outside of the heel if you have high arched feet.
- Pain is usually worse first thing in the morning. After a few minutes it eases as the foot gets warmed up, but can get worse again during the day especially if walking a lot.
WHAT CAN THE ATHLETE DO?
- Rest
- Massage: Helps increase blood flow to the inflamed area and break up scar tissue.
- Stretch: Tight calves (particularly in the case of a rigid, cavus foot) can put excessive pressure on the plantar fascia.
- Exercises: Using your toes to scrunch a towel up underneath the foot exercises and strengthens the plantar fascia. NOTE: Do not do this exercise in the initial, acute phase of the injury as it will further aggravate the tissue.
