PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Hello, Readers.....

On the beginning  of the year 2020, I am with the common problem facing by many people worldwide.

                      PLANTAR FASCITIS 

First of all, I would like to discuss about what is the plantar fascia.

The plantar fascia is a thick connective tissue which supports the arch on the bottom that is the plantar side of the foot. The plantar fascia is a broad structure that spreads between the medial calcaneus to lateral and till proximal phalanges of toes.

The plantar fascia is aponeurosis, which is white, flattened and ribbon-like tendinous expansion, fibrous connective tissue. It is mainly aponeurosis of Achilles muscle tendon.  

The function of the plantar fascia is to contribute to a part of the arch of the foot by acting as a tie rod, where it undergoes tension when it bears weight.
Its important role in dynamic function during gait.

                      PLANTAR FASCITIS 
                            OR
                     JOGGERS HEEL
                             OR
                     HEEL SPUR SYNDROME
                               OR 
                     PLANTAR FASCIOSIS

It's an inflammation or disorder of connective tissue named as the plantar fascia.
It results in pain in the heel and bottom of the foot.

CAUSE OF PLANTAR FASCITIS is unclear but have many risk factors 

1. Increase in the level of exercise
2. Obesity
3. Inward rolling of the foot
4. Tight Achilles muscle
5. Age 40-60
6. Occupation involving a long period of standing like teachers, ballet dancing, etc.
7. Deformities of foot
8. Increase in BMI    

SYMPTOMS OF PLANTAR FASCITIS

• Pain in the bottom of the foot and heel
• Pain worst in mainly while taking first steps
• It worsens after exercise, or not doing it.
• It is triggered by a long period of standing or you get up after sitting 

If ignored fasciitis may result in chronic heel pain. Changing in way patient walk or a way to relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis. Pain might lead to foot, knee, hip or back problems.

DIAGNOSIS

History, risk factors, and clinical examination are helpful to diagnose plantar fasciitis.

Tenderness of calf muscle has limited dorsiflexion.

Other diagnostic tools are X-ray, MRI, Ultrasound to rule out serious foot problems.

In X-ray, there might be the presence of heel spur which is bony calcification of heel bone, which is found in 50% of plantar fascitis of cases.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

• Calcaneal stress fracture
• Calcaneal bursitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Compressive neuropathies eg tarsal tunnel syndrome
• RA or AS

TREATMENT 

Healthcare provider prescribe NSAIDS,  Ibuprofen or aspirin but fail as treatment. 

PHYSIOTHERAPY OR CONSERVATIVE therapy is first line of treatment. 

STRETCHING OF CALF MUSCLES AND PLANTAR FASCIA 

STRENGTHENING EXERCISES FOR CALF MUSCLES- High load strength training for plantar flexors is effective in treatment. 

POSTERIOR NIGHT SPLINT maintain ankle in dorsi flexion and toes in extension. 

FOOT ORTHOSIS OR TAPING is very useful to relieve pain at some level. Foot bands which support the arch of foot , which decreases the strain on arch and plants fascia.The foot wear should be used which are soft on heels.

ULTRASOUND THERAPY FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS has a great effects on treatment. 

LASER is high frequency treatment , the Ray's goes deeply and heals the inflammation or damage. 

JOINT MOBILIZATIONS AND MANIPULATION - MOBILIZATIONS of talocalcaneal joint is often done .As its involvement of soft tissue the fascia , soft tissue MOBILIZATIONS is more helpful. 

PLANTAR FASCIITIS IS CURABLE WITH CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT....IF THE FASCIA BECOMES TAUT OR TIGHT PLANTAR FASCIOTOMY IS DONE TO RELIEVE TIGHTNESS. 

IF PLANTAR FASCIITIS IS DUE TO OTHER CONDITIONS TREAT FIRST THAT DISORDER...

THE FEET ARE SOUL OF OUR BODY TAKE CARE OF THEM AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.....

STAY HEALTHY.....STAY CONNECTED.....