Have you ever felt a sharp, needle-like pain at the bottom of your foot when walking? This could very well be plantar fasciitis. Let OneEssential’s physical therapist explain what plantar fasciitis is, what causes it, and which specialist to see for effective treatment.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is not caused by inflammation, but rather by prolonged overuse of the plantar fascia, which leads to abnormal alignment of collagen fibers. Therefore, a more accurate term for this condition would be “plantar fasciosis” or “plantar fasciopathy.” Despite this, the term “plantar fasciitis” is still commonly used. Here are the common causes of plantar fasciitis:
1.Prolonged Standing or Walking
If your job requires standing or walking for long periods, such as teachers, waiters, or retail workers, the plantar fascia will endure continuous pressure, increasing the risk of developing this condition.
2.Frequent Running or High-Impact Sports
Runners are especially prone to plantar fasciitis. Repeated high-impact movements increase the burden on the feet, making the fascia more likely to wear down and lead to plantar fasciitis. This risk is higher if running posture is improper or shoes are not appropriately selected.
3.Flat Feet or High Arches
Those with flat feet or high arches may experience additional pressure on the plantar fascia because their foot structure is abnormal, which prevents effective shock absorption during walking, leading to plantar fasciitis.
4.Incorrect Footwear
Wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support, especially flat shoes or high heels, can fail to alleviate pressure on the plantar fascia, making it more prone to injury.
5.Excess Weight
Overweight individuals put more pressure on their feet, making the plantar fascia more likely to stretch and trigger plantar fasciitis compared to individuals with normal weight.
6.Age and Specific Professions
As we age, the muscles in the legs degrade, causing additional strain on the plantar fascia. Certain jobs that require long periods of standing or high-intensity physical activity can also increase the risk. A combination of aging and job requirements makes the plantar fascia more susceptible to damage.
7.The Connection Between the Big Toe Joint and Plantar Fasciitis
During the final phase of the standing gait, when the metatarsophalangeal joint (the joint at the base of the big toe) dorsiflexes (raises the toe upward), the plantar fascia shortens. This mechanism, known as the “windlass mechanism,” increases tension in the plantar fascia, helping to absorb shock during walking and reducing pressure on the ligaments and nerves. Essentially, the plantar fascia functions as a dynamic shock absorber for the body.
Which Specialist Should You See for Plantar Fasciitis？
The treatment for plantar fasciitis can typically be managed through physical therapy. OneEssential’s physical therapists will provide personalized treatment plans based on the severity of your condition, such as shockwave therapy, manual therapy, and more.
For persistent pain, physical therapists may use shockwave therapy, which uses sound waves to stimulate the plantar fascia and accelerate the healing process.
Corticosteroid Injections and Surgery Corticosteroid injections and surgery are considered last resorts for treating plantar fasciitis, typically only considered when physical therapy does not effectively relieve symptoms. Surgery aims to remove damaged fascia or use PRP therapy to alleviate pressure and pain and stimulate healthy fascia fiber growth. Surgery has a longer recovery time, and post-operative rehabilitation is necessary, so it should be chosen carefully.
Medical Examinations
- X-Ray: X-rays are mainly used to rule out heel spurs or other skeletal issues. While it does not show the condition of the plantar fascia itself, if you have heel pain, an X-ray can help confirm other underlying problems.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI provides a more detailed examination, showing damage to the plantar fascia. If symptoms are severe and persistent, or if trauma like a fall or sudden impact has occurred, an MRI may be recommended to rule out tears.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound helps assess the thickness of the plantar fascia and detects possible tears. It is a non-radiative option, suitable for patients requiring a deeper understanding of their fascia condition.
How Long Does it Take to Recover from Plantar Fasciitis?
The recovery time for plantar fasciitis varies depending on the severity of the condition, the patient’s lifestyle habits, and the treatment methods used. For most people, symptoms can gradually improve within a few weeks to months with timely treatment, including physical therapy, stretching exercises, and the use of corrective insoles. However, for more severe or long-term cases, recovery may take up to 6 months or longer.
Factors Affecting Recovery
- Physical Condition and Age: Older individuals usually require more time to recover because the plantar fascia loses some of its elasticity with age, slowing down the repair process. Muscle training also becomes less efficient as one gets older.
- Timeliness and Appropriateness of Treatment: The earlier effective treatment is started, the quicker the recovery. Ignoring or improperly treating the condition may worsen the problem and lengthen recovery time.
- Daily Activities and Lifestyle: If patients cannot avoid standing or walking for long periods, or engaging in high-impact activities, the plantar fascia will continue to bear pressure, hindering recovery. Adjusting daily activities and reducing foot strain is key to recovery.
Physical therapy plays a vital role in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, offering reliable medical knowledge. We emphasize clinical examination and scientifically backed treatment methods. We hope that this professional knowledge about plantar fasciitis helps you better understand the condition and feel confident in booking a consultation at OneEssential for personalized advice on treating your plantar fasciitis.