Plantar Fasciitis (the cause of Heel Pain and Heel Spurs)

Plantar Fasciitis (often misspelled as 'Fascitis') is a painful inflammatory condition causing heel pain and in some people heel spurs. It can also be the cause of arch pain.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Pain is usually experienced at the underside of the heel, and is often worse with the first steps when getting out of bed in the morning. Plantar Fasciitis presents itself as a stabbing pain at the bottom or front of the heel bone. In most cases, heel pain is more severe following periods of inactivity when getting up and then subsides, turning into a dull ache.

What are the causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis can have different caues but in most cases is due to a very common condition called over-pronation (fallen arches, flattening of the foot). Contributing factors to heel pain are obesity, weight gain, jobs that require a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces, badly worn shoes with little or no support, and also inactivity.

As a result of over-pronation, the Plantar Fascia (band of fibrous tissue under the foot) is being stretched with every step you take! In turn, this results in inflammation, irritation and pain at the attachment of the plantar fascia into the heel bone (calcaneus). In some cases the pain is also experienced in the arch of the foot.

The continuous pulling of the fascia band at the calcaneus, may lead to the development of a sharp bony growth on the heel. This is called a Heel Spur.

During rest (e.g. when you're asleep), the Plantar Fascia tightens and shortens. When body weight is rapidly applied to the foot, the Fascia must stretch and quickly lengthen, causing micro-tears in the Fascia. Hence, the pain is more severe with your first steps in the morning or after sitting for longer periods of time (or after driving your car).

Plantar Fasciitis is more likely to occur if:

- you suffer from over-pronation (flattening of the arch, rolling over of the ankle)
- you stand or walk on hard surfaces, for long periods
- you are overweight or pregnant
- you have tight calf muscles or tight Achilles tendons

Pain relief from Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis, heel pain, heel spurs and arch pain can all be treated with simple, non-surgical methods. The most common pain relief solutions are:

• Rest, avoid prolonged activity, such as walking, running & sports
• Ice, apply ice for only 5 mins, allowing the inflammation to cool down 
• Weight loss
• Stretching exercises (download Fact Sheet here)
• A low-cost orthotic shoe insert

The most effective solution to Plantar Fasciitis is to treat the cause of the problem by correcting abnormal foot mechanics with orthotic insoles.

Developed by a Podiatrist, Footlogics orthotics control over-pronation and support the arches. They help release the tension on the Plantar Fascia, thereby treating the cause of Plantar Fasciitis. Plus, a soft shock-absorbing heel pad helps reduce the impact on the painful heel, providing added relief and walking comfort.