Plantar fasciitis is a condition whereby a structure on the bottom of the foot known as the plantar fascia is excessively strained and stretched. This leads to tiny partial tears, resulting in inflammation and pain. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, but nerve entrapments and stress fractures may also be involved.

Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by overuse, certain sports and activities. However, a foot that flattens out (excess pronation) can lead to the plantar fascia being excessively stretched and damaged.

Multi-faceted treatment – Treatment for plantar fasciitis is typically multi-faceted and includes:

• Stretching
• Strengthening
• Manual therapy
• Ice
• Orthotics
• Gel pads
• Shockwave therapy.

The aim is to eradicate the pain, allow the plantar fascia to heal and permit a full return to regular activities. If pain persists then corticosteroid injections can be administered.

Plantar fasciosis – If plantar fasciitis has been present for many months and has been resistant to treatment attempts, this foot condition can subtly change and develop into plantar fasciosis. Plantar fasciosis is often missed by podiatrists and physiotherapists.

This differentiation is important as the treatment for plantar fasciosis is subtly different from the original plantar fasciitis. Shockwave therapy is an excellent option and, at Bio Podiaty, our podiatrists are trained to differentiate these conditions to ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment modalities.