Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis - Pain caused by a degenerative irritation at the insertion of the plantar fascia on the medial process of calcaneal tuberosity

How common ? One of the most common causes of heel pain Exact prevalence is not known Twice as common in women One of the most common foot and ankle injury condition observed in professional athletes Approximately 50 % if patients with this condition also have heel spurs but the spurs themselves are not the cause

What Happens -Exact cause not known Considered to be an overuse injury Repetitive microtrauma of the fascia → chronic degeneration of plantar fascia fibers Previously thought to be an inflammatory process but characteristic features of inflammation have not been found ( Lemont et al ) It has been suggested that the condition should be called as plantar " FASCIOSIS " Other terms for the condition○ plantar fasciopathy○ policeman's heel○ joggers heel

Risk Factors -Excessive foot pronation ( pes planus ) Excessive running High arch ( pes cavus ) Leg length discrepancy Overweight people 40-60 yrs of age Prolonged standing / walking occupations Runners Sedentary lifestyle Tightening of Achilles tendon and intrinsic foot muscles

Why important -Associated with high morbidity in athletes...