Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis Stretches picture album Pictures of stretches used to treat plantar fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis video 3D animation of the anatomy of the plantar fascia, the windlass mechanism, and the location of pain in plantar fasciitis. Windlass Mechanism animated gif Animation demonstrating the windlass mechanism involving the plantar fascia. Plantar Fascia Injection animated gif Animation demonstrating a steroid injection at the origin of the plantar fascia. Plantar Fasciotomy animated gif Simple, brief animation demonstrating a plantar fasciotomy
Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which breakdown of the tissue of the plantar fascia (also known as the plantar aponeurosis) and inflammation cause heel pain. Symptoms: Heel pain that is especially bad with the first few steps after a period of inactivity (such as sleeping) Pain then worsens throughout the day Physical exam: Tenderness at the origin of the plantar fascia, inferior calcaneus Imaging: X-rays may demonstrate inferior calcaneal osteophytes (heel spurs), but these are a result of plantar fasciitis rather than the cause MRI is only obtained if the diagnosis is in question (rule out stress fracture of the calcaneus) or if surgery is being considered Treatment (nonoperative): Stretching exercises, especially before getting out of bed Heel cups Ice Physical therapy Footwear with good arch supports Supportive footwear when getting out of bed rather than going barefoot NSAIDs Steroid injection o Risk of heel pad atrophy o Risk of rupture of plantar fascia Treatment (surgical): Uncommon (last resort) Considered if no improvement after 6-12 months Plantar fasciotomy (partial or complete) Release of lateral plantar nerve branch may be performed Excision of heel spurs does not appear to help