The Tribune

By Bernadette Gibson

Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur Fas-e-I-tis) is the most frequently used term for heel pain. The formation of a spur may be present but does represent the cause for heel pain. Pain felt along the bottom (plantar) of the foot from the heel and extending along the arch of the foot. The pain is often worse in the morning and at the end of the day. Persons experiencing this problem often ask, ‘How did I get this problem and what could have caused it? How do I get rid of the pain?’

• Overview:

The foot has a thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia which runs across the bottom (plantar) of the foot which connects your heel bone (cancaneous) to your toes. The plantar fascia acts like a shock absorbing bowstring supporting the arch in your foot. However, when the tension on the bowstring becomes too great, it can create small tears in the fascia. Repetitive stress and strain can cause the fascia to become irritated and inflamed developing what is referred to as plantar fasciitis.

• Symptoms:

Usually develops gradually.
May affect just one foot but eventually occur in both simultaneously.
A sharp pain in the heel of your foot (possible spur).
Don’t ignore any sign of this condition because it would only get worse and can hinder your regular activities.

• Contributors to plantar fasciitis:

Age –This condition is more often experienced between the ages of 40 and 60. This is around the time when the foot starts to age and requires more support.
Sex – It is more often seen in women than men due to the fact that women wear high heels. High heels worn frequently can cause your Achilles’ tendon which is attached to your heel to contract and shorten.
Sporting activities – Long-distance running, ballet dancing and dance aerobics are among some of the activities that can contribute to the onset of plantar fasciitis because they place a fair amount of stress on the heel and the attached tissues.

Obesity – Excess weight normally or during pregnancy can cause plantar fasciitis. The extra pounds put stress on your plantar fascia.

Occupations – If your job requires a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces you can be at risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
Improper shoes – Shoes with thin soles and lack arch support or the ability to absorb shock can cause you to develop plantar fasciitis.

Solutions:

If you have been experiencing pain in the heel or arch area of the foot, I urge that you seek professional help because it can worsen and affect the entire foot, ankle, knees, lower back and even your shoulders. A supportive shoe, combined with proper insert will put your foot in its natural position for walking and standing. Seek help and be properly fitting with arch supports to put your body in balance and relieve the stress and strain on your plantar fascia.

• Bernadette Gibson, a board certified and licenced pedorthist, is the proprietor of Foot Solutions, a health and wellness franchise that focuses on foot care and proper shoe fit, located in the Trinity Plaza, West Bay Street. Visit http://www.footsolutions.com/nassau or call 322-3668 for more information.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Foot Solutions Incorporated or any of its subsidiary and/or affiliated companies.