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What
is plantar fasciitis/heel pain?
Definition
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation
of the long band of connective tissue
running from the heel to the ball
of the foot. Heel spur syndrome is
a bony overgrowth on the heel bone.
Plantar fasciitis and heel spur syndrome
affect women more than men. They can
cause the bottom of the heel and arch
to become painful.
Statistics
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Plantar fasciitis
and heel spur syndrome are the
most common causes of plantar
heel pain. |
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73% of patients with heel pain
are diagnosed with either plantar
fasciitis or heel spur syndrome. |
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15% of patients who see a
podiatrist complain of heel
pain. |
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90% of those who suffer from
plantar faciitis or heel spur
syndrome respond to non-surgical
care. |
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83.5% of the patients with
plantar fasciitis or heel spur
experience pain with first steps
in the morning. |
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Plantar fasciitis can occur
with or without a heel spur
present. |
Causes
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Stretching the long
band of tissue that connects the
heel and the ball of the foot |
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Muscle imbalance |
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Bone deformity |
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Obesity |
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Trauma |
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Tightness of the muscles on
the back of the leg |
What can you
do?
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Warm up and stretch
properly before exercise |
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Wear appropriate shoe gear |
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RICE – rest, ice, compression
and elevation |
What might
the podiatrist do?
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Perform a physical
examination |
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Perform X-ray evaluation |
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Perform taping and strapping |
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Prescribe orthotics |
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Prescribe appropriate medication |
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Administer injections |
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Perform surgery if necessary |
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Instruct in appropriate exercise |
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