Posted on 16th Aug 2022 at 3:52pm
In this piece Amie provides more information about one common foot issue – Plantar fasciitis
- Thick, fibrous band of connective tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. It runs from the heel bone (calcaneum) to the toes. It supports the arch of the foot and acts as a shock absorber.
- Persistent pain associated with chronic degeneration (wear and tear) and reparative processes.
- Cause is multifactorial – abnormal biomechanics and delayed healing are likely to contribute.
- Risk factors may include age (typically 40-60 years), excessive foot pronation or flat feet, high arches, tight Achilles tendon or calf muscle, tight intrinsic foot muscles, limb length discrepancy, obesity, running, prolonged standing or walking, ill-fitting shoes or altered gait pattern.
- Intense pain during the first steps after waking up or following a period of inactivity.
- Pain that eases with moderate activity but gets worse over the course of the day or after extended periods of standing or walking.
- Typically tender over the plantar heel area.
- Physiotherapy may include advice and education, joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, stretching (calf/Achilles/plantar fascia), electrotherapy and acupuncture.
- Custom orthotics to correct biomechanical dysfunction
- Specialist treatment such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy. A non-invasive treatment that involves passing acoustic shock waves through the affected area (NICE, 2020)
Shockwave treatment of plantar fasciitis