What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common conditions linked to heel pain, however, the exact cause of pain is poorly understood. The plantar fascia is a very strong, dense connective tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot from the heel bone (calcaneus) to the toes and, therefore, supports the arch of the foot. It was previously believed that the condition was caused by inflammation of this tissue as it attaches to the heel bone. However, we now have a better understanding that this is a degenerative condition leading to microtears and cell death of the tissue and is more accurately named Plantar Fasciosis. This explains why treatments such as anti-inflammatories, icing, and corticosteroid injections are not always helpful in treating the pain associated with plantar fasciosis.
What are Plantar Fasciitis symptoms?
Plantar Fasciosis is usually described as a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel. The pain is typically most intense when first getting out of bed in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting. The pain may decrease initially with movement as the tissue warms up but often returns after standing or a lot of daily activity.
What causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Improper footwear is believed to be the Number 1 cause of Plantar Fasciosis. Heels, flats, and flip-flops should be avoided when possible. Distance running, short calf muscles, obesity, and various arthritic conditions are also associated with a higher incidence of Plantar Fasciosis.
Treatment for Plantar Fasciosis?
At Matterhorn Fit, our treatment process begins with investigating the root cause of your pain. We start by looking for neurological breakdowns in the system that may lead to compensation and inefficiency in movement patterns. We then treat those breakdowns and implement movement protocols that are designed to reinforce the new neurological patterns. During the treatment of Plantar Fasciosis we will also include rehabilitation modalities such as Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Active Release Technique (ART), and specific stretching and strengthening exercises to directly address the affected tissue. Start your health and wellness journey at Matterhorn Fit today by scheduling your 1-hour initial evaluation.
