Plantar Fasciitis by Calvin Deutsch

Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain among runners. The plantar fascia is a broad band of connective tissue that starts at the bottom of the heel and spans out through the foot toward the toes. This tissue becomes repetitively overstretched with subsequent increased tension and irritation at the insertion point of the heel. Overstretching of the plantar fascia can be caused by several factors including increased or decreased foot mobility, misalignment of the heel and forefoot, tight calf and posterior muscles, improper footwear, and improper training to name a few.

Classic signs and symptoms of this condition include pain at the bottom of the heel with the first steps in the morning and after periods of sitting. This problem can progress to pain with running and/or walking as inflammation at the fascia insertion site on the heel becomes worse.

Treatment of this problem can vary dependent on which of the above factors are involved. Initial treatment consists of icing, massage for the fascia, stretching of the posterior muscle groups, use of cushioned arch support to absorb shock to the heel and support the arch, and correction of footwear and/or training.
The second line of treatment can include modified over-the-counter shoe inserts, use of a night splint, and initiation of Physical Therapy.
If the problem continues to persist, custom orthotics may be warranted and possible immobilization in a walking boot may be necessary for a short time.
Your physician can prescribe medications, and more aggressive treatments might include an injection. Our experience has been that if the person utilizes conservative treatment first, for at least three months, and reaches a plateau, they typically respond more favorably if their physician does an injection. If the injection is done early on, the symptoms most often recur. Surgery is usually the last resort, however this problem should resolve with conservative treatment.

If you are suffering from a case of Plantar Fasciitis consult your local Physical Therapist, Physician, Orthopaedic Surgeon, or Podiatrist.

Feel free to email questions to our message board for advice and/or suggestions or call to schedule an appointment. You can stop by at any of our four locations to check out your current footwear or get a recommendation for the right shoe, discuss an injury, or pick up any of the devices mentioned above to treat your running injuries.

Calvin Deutsch, PT, DPT, CSCS
Physical Therapist
InStep Physical Therapy and Performance Footwear
262.241.8402