Plantar fasciitis (patient information)

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Overview
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is called the plantar fascia. It connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot.

What are the symptoms of Plantar fasciitis ?
The most common complaint is pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel. The heel pain may be dull or sharp. The bottom of the foot may also ache or burn.

The pain is usually worse:


 * In the morning when you take your first steps
 * After standing or sitting for a while
 * When climbing stairs
 * After intense activity

The pain may develop slowly over time, or suddenly after intense activity.

What causes Plantar fasciitis ?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overstretched or overused. This can be painful and make walking more difficult.

Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:


 * Foot arch problems (both flat feet and high arches)
 * Obesity or sudden weight gain
 * Long-distance running, especially running downhill or on uneven surfaces
 * Sudden weight gain
 * Tight Achilles tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel)
 * Shoes with poor arch support or soft soles

Plantar fasciitis is commonly thought of as being caused by a heel spur, but research has found that this is not the case. On x-ray, heel spurs are seen in people with and without plantar fasciitis.

Who is at highest risk?
Plantar fasciitis most often affects active men ages 40 - 70. It is one of the most common orthopedic complaints relating to the foot.

When to seek urgent medical care?
Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Diagnosis
The doctor will perform a physical exam. This may show:


 * Tenderness on the bottom of your foot
 * Flat feet or high arches
 * Mild foot swelling or redness
 * Stiffness or tightness of the arch in the bottom of your foot.

X-rays may be taken to rule out other problems, but having a heel spur is not significant.

Treatment options
Your doctor will usually first recommend:


 * Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to reduce pain and inflammation
 * Heel stretching exercises
 * Resting as much as possible for at least a week
 * Wearing shoes with good support and cushions

Other steps to relieve pain include:


 * Apply ice to the painful area. Do this at least twice a day for 10 - 15 minutes, more often in the first couple of days.
 * Try wearing a heel cup, felt pads in the heel area, or shoe inserts.
 * Use night splints to stretch the injured fascia and allow it to heal.

If these treatments do not work, your doctor may recommend:


 * Wearing a boot cast, which looks like a ski boot, for 3-6 weeks. It can be removed for bathing.
 * Custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics)
 * Steroid shots or injections into the heel

In a few patients, nonsurgical treatment does not work. Surgery to release the tight tissue becomes necessary.

Where to find medical care for Plantar fasciitis ?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Plantar fasciitis

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Nonsurgical treatments almost always improve the pain. Treatment can last from several months to 2 years before symptoms get better. Most patients feel better in 9 months. Some people need surgery to relieve the pain.

Possible complications
Pain may continue despite treatment. Some people may need surgery. Surgery has its own risks. Talk to your doctor about the risks of surgery.