An estimated two million people are treated for plantar fasciitis every year.
(1) At some point in their life, 1 in 10 people develops the condition.
It accounts for between 11 and 15 percent of foot symptoms requiring treatment, research has shown.
How Is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?
(10) But heel spurs are not considered to be the cause of the pain in plantar fasciitis.
The pain may reappear after exercise or long periods on your feet.
It is meant to absorb any stresses and strains placed on the feet.
One never really rests their foot enough to heal and get better.
That strain or damage causes inflammation, which results in your feeling pain and stiffness.
As tension in the plantar fascia increases, tiny tears form in the tissue.
Its this buildup of tension and tearing that cause the pain and stiffness associated with plantar fasciitis.
(3)
It also has a higher incidence among athletes particularly runners.
It is sometimes referred to as runners heel.
(4)
Plantar fasciitis usually develops over time, rather than being triggered by any one specific injury.
That way, its a little easier to see how they respond, Steege says.
In rare cases, people with heel pain have actually torn or ruptured their plantar fascia.
However, the treatment isnt too different from plantar fasciitis.
It just requires a little more offloading to allow the plantar fascia to heal.
Stress fractures (small cracks) in the heel bone can sometimes be mistaken for plantar fasciitis.
How Much Do You Know About Plantar Fasciitis?
Its almost like youre stretching [the plantar fascia] from both ends, Steege says.
Hold for 30 to 60 seconds.
Switch sides, performing two or three times per side.
Another effective calf stretch is known as the runners stretch, according to Quirolgico.
Place both hands flat against the wall and bend one knee.
Step the other foot back so your leg is straight, heel flat on the ground.
Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and perform two or three times per side.
Stretch out your calves both before and after exercise.
(1) Having that icing component helps decrease inflammation locally in some patients, Quirolgico says.
Ice baths and applying ice via an ice pack are also recommended to help manage pain.
For those patients, she recommends wearing the splint for a couple of hours in the evening.
It functions in the same way as doing calf stretches, she says.
Nutrition may play a tangential role in triggering and managing plantar fasciitis.
More research is needed to determine if acupuncture is effective for long-term pain management.
Most states require a license, certification, or registration to practice acupuncture.
(17)
Acupuncture is low risk and many patients get pain relief from it, Quirolgico says.
However, some patients dont respond to acupuncture.
In that case I tell patients not to continue if its not helping them.
Massage therapy may also be a supportive complementary therapyfor chronic plantar fasciitis.
Tight calf muscles can also make you prone to plantar fasciitis.
Its especially helpful to stretch them out before and/or after exercise.
If stretching before exercise, do it after warming up.
Complications of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis requires treatment to prevent it from becoming persistent or growing worse.
If untreated, plantar fasciitis can impair mobility and keep you from getting much-needed exercise.
Surgery performed to treat plantar fasciitis, known as a plantar fasciotomy, can also lead to complications.
(22) However, more research is needed to determine if this finding applies to living patients.
(23)
Research and Statistics: How Common Is Plantar Fasciitis?
However, more research is needed to determine if its effective in the long term.
Bursas in the foot can become inflamed and painful due to excessive walking, running, or jumping.
(31)
Calcaneal ApophysitisThe growth plate, or epiphyseal plate, in the heel can become inflamed.
The condition, also known as Severs disease, usually occurs in children during growth spurts.
(33)
Plantar Fascia RuptureIn rare cases, the plantar fascia can rupture, according to Quirolgico.
This painful injury usually occurs during high-impact exercise, such as sudden jumping, running, and sprinting.
Calcaneal stress fractures are rare and account for only about 2 percent of all fractures in adults.
One of these is the tibial nerve, which allows feeling and movement to parts of the foot.
The possible symptoms include pain and a tingling sensation around the heel.
Diana Rodriguez is a full-time freelance writer with experience writing health-related news and feature stories.
She is a managing editor at the Mayo Clinic and has written extensively for HealthDay.
She lives in Louisville, Kentucky and holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and French from Miami University.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis Massage?
Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
