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Plantar fasciitis is one of the common chronic painful condition of foot, which seems to get worse with weight bearing. It occurs due to inflammation of the fibrous band that connects the heel with the toes and supports the arch. The plantar fascia connects the bones of the foot and forms the arch at the sole of the foot. In Plantar fasciitis, pain starts gradually, most of the times without an inciting event, and continues for a long time. Pain is worse in the morning and when standing after prolonged sitting. It also gets worse toward the end of the day.
Symptoms of Chronic Heel Pain
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Heel pain that is generally stabbing in nature or dull aching type.
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Pain is worst after the initial few steps after walking.
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It can be aggravated by prolonged periods of standing or walking after sitting for a long time.
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Pain generally increases over months.
Risk Factors
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Age
Plantar fasciitis is common in people between the age group of 40-60 years.
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Obesity
Excess weight puts excessive stress on most of the weight-bearing joints and also on the plantar fascia.
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Prolonged Standing
Professionals who are used to standing for a long duration are susceptible to plantar fasciitis.
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Flat feet, a high arch, or an atypical pattern of walking can put excessive stress on the plantar fascia.
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Wearing shoes without proper support or cushioning.
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Chronic plantar fasciitis can lead to pain that hinders regular activities and also over a period of time lead to a change in the pattern of walking, leading to knee pain and hip pain.
Diagnosis of Planter Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed based on the clinical history and medical examination, including checking for areas of tenderness and the location of pain on the foot. Sometimes an X-ray of the foot, MRI, or an ultrasound can aid in the diagnosis.
Treatment and Procedures
Specialists of the anesthesiology and pain management department at Manipal Hospitals, Hebbal are dedicated to provide personalised care for each patient going through chronic pain treatment. If you seek medical attention, please visit the nearest branch. Some specialised treatment procedured for different kind of pain is enlisted below:
- Medical Management
Over the counter, medications can reduce inflammation.
- Rest
It is better to take a break from sports or activities that increase the pain.
- Ice Pack
At least twice a day icing the foot gives relief .
- Physical Therapy
Stretching the fascia strengthens the leg muscles.
- Supportive Footwear
Shoes with a good cushioning are recommended.
Interventional Pain Management
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Ultrasound guided corticosteroid injections.
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PRP (Platelet rich plasma) injections obtained from your own blood can aid in tissue healing, these interventions can be done precisely with the aid of ultrasound.
Surgery is performed if all the above-mentioned methods fail to provide pain relief.
Prevention of plantar fasciitis
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Stretch before and after exercise.
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After an intense exercise or activity session give adequate rest to the feet.
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Use supportive footwear with good cushioning.
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Weight loss.
The prognosis for plantar fasciitis is good. Non-surgical interventions often give the patient good pain relief. If you are experiencing similar medial situation, contact a chronic pain physician in hebbal.
