Plantar fascitis/heel pain/bone spur/exostosis

Plantar fascitis/heel pain/bone spur/exostosis Plantar Fasciitis is a very common cause of heel pain. It is inflammation of the plantar fascia of the foot. It causes heel pain which may radiate to the toes. It can occur as a result of repetitive microtrauma. It’s an overuse injury. Plantar fasciitis is commonly caused by a heel spur which is a bony growth that occurs at the attachment of the plantar fascia to calcaneum. The Plantar Fascia is a broad, thick band of tissue that runs from medial tubercle of calcaneum of the heel to the front of the foot. It forms the longitudinal arch of the foot. SYMPTOMS ·                        Pain is usually on the medial side of the heel and under the heel. ·                        Pain is usually severe in the morning and decreases as the day progresses. Pain is worse on walking bare-foot. A limp may be present. ·                        Tenderness is present on the medial side of the calcaneum at the origin of the plantar fascia. CAUSES 1.      Tightness of calf muscles which can lead to pronation of the foot. This in turn produces repetitive over stretching of the plantar fascia leading to inflammation and thickening of the tendon. 2.      Foot arch problems- pes cavus and pes planus 3.      Excessive stress on the plantar fascia due to excessive running or obesity. TREATMENT – 1.      Use NSAIDS and take rest. 2.      Ice therapy can be applied to reduce pain and inflammation, 3.      Taping of plantar fascia can be done to support it and to reduce stress on plantar fascia. 4.      Stretching of plantar fascia and calf muscles is also important. 5.      Strengthening of intrinsic muscles of the foot. 6.      Silicon heel pads/cushioned heels can be used. PREVENTION It is possible by maintaining good flexibility of calf muscles, avoid prolonged standing.