What is plantar fasciitis?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:One of the most common injuries among runners, plantar fasciitis doesn't just affect those who gallop for a living or for recreation. The result: Intense pain in the foot and heel (and a lovely looking limp to boot). The plantar fascia is a thick bundle of tissues that runs from the toes to the heel on the bottom of your foot. When that tissue gets overworked, it creates tears in the fascia - resulting in inflammation and pain most often occurring near the heel. It can be a very slow-healing condition (because there's not a whole lot of blood supply to the area), which makes it all the more frustrating. It will feel like severe bruising on the bottom of the heel (it typically feels worse in the morning when you first put weight on it), and it typically happens because of overpronation of the forefoot (rolling the front of the foot too far to the inside).
To stretch and strengthen the area, sit in a chair with your affected foot crossed over the other leg, so your ankle is resting on your knee. Grab your toes and bend them up toward your shin. This will stretch the plantar to help relieve some of the pain. Make sure you get good running shoes that can help control the overpronation; cushioned heel inserts and shoes with rubber soles can help. You may also want to add anti-inflammatories.
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One of the most common injuries among runners, plantar fasciitis doesn't just affect those who gallop for a living or for recreation. The result: Intense pain in the foot and heel (and a lovely looking limp to boot). The plantar fascia is a thick... More -
Celeste Cooper answered:Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick, fibrous band of tissue that extends from the heel of the foot to the toes, supporting the muscles of the bottom of the foot and helping the foot to function properly and is usually due to injury of the plantar (sole) fascia (connective tissue).
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick, fibrous band of tissue that extends from the heel of the foot to the toes, supporting the muscles of the bottom of the foot and helping the foot to function properly and is usually due to... More -
Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:Plantar fasciitis is severe pain in the heel due to inflammation of the fascia, a tough, fibrous band of tissue (ligament) that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. It is more common in women, people who are overweight, have flat feet or high arches. Walking or running, especially with tight calf muscles, may also cause the condition.
Plantar fasciitis is severe pain in the heel due to inflammation of the fascia, a tough, fibrous band of tissue (ligament) that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. It is more common in women, people who are overweight, have flat feet or... More -
National Academy of Sports Medicine answered:Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia located on the bottom surface of the foot. It is characterized by pain in the medial or inner arch of the foot that is usually worse when getting out of bed in the morning and can be further exacerbated by prolonged weight bearing activity or training. Plantar faciitis is often associated with an increase in training, poor footwear or running surface, high arches, high BMI, and decreased flexibility.
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia located on the bottom surface of the foot. It is characterized by pain in the medial or inner arch of the foot that is usually worse when getting out of bed in the morning and can be further... More -
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum answered:Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of pain by the heel and sometimes along the entire bottom of your foot. It occurs when you have a tightness/irritation of the muscles and tissues that form the "suspension bridge" on the bottom of your foot.
This is also very common in fibromyalgia patients.
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of pain by the heel and sometimes along the entire bottom of your foot. It occurs when you have a tightness/irritation of the muscles and tissues that form the "suspension bridge" on the bottom of your... More -
National Athletic Trainers’ Association answered:Plantar fasciitis involves a soft tissue structure on the bottom of your foot called the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia connects the heel to the toes and supports the bottom of your foot. Plantar fasciitis is caused by pain and inflammation of this soft tissue structure. Injury to the plantar fascia may be caused by activity (such as running) or different foot abnormalities (such as high or low arch). As you sleep at night, the plantar fascia becomes stiffened, causing more pain when you get up in the morning. It may loosen up shortly after you get up or move, but may become irritated as the day progresses. (This answer provided for NATA by the Eastern University Athletic Training Education Program)Plantar fasciitis involves a soft tissue structure on the bottom of your foot called the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia connects the heel to the toes and supports the bottom of your foot. Plantar fasciitis is caused by pain and... More -
Dr. Celeste Robb-Nicholson answered:If you have pain at the bottom of your foot just in front of the heel, you may have an inflammation of the plantar fascia or plantar fasciitis, a band of ligaments and tendons that stretches from the heel bone to the bones of the toes. The fascia forms the arch of the foot and is a shock absorber for the body. Plantar fasciitis can result from chronic overuse during high-impact exercise, uneven stride, and poorly designed shoes.If you have pain at the bottom of your foot just in front of the heel, you may have an inflammation of the plantar fascia or plantar fasciitis, a band of ligaments and tendons that stretches from the heel bone to the bones of the toes. The fascia... More -
Dr. Kelly Traver answered:Plantar fasciitis is the most common injury of the foot. It is an inflammation of the connective tissue extending from the calcaneus, or heel bone, to metatarsals at the ball of your foot. Repetitive use from prolonged walking or running leads to small tears in the fascia, resulting in scarring and pain. This can cause the feet to be stiff in the morning with pain on the undersurface of the feet when walking. To treat or prevent plantar fasciitis, it is important that you have supportive, cushioned shoes. You can buy inserts for shoes to improve support and cushioning. In severe cases, physical therapy and orthotics are necessary, but in most cases, complete recovery is possible simply with better foot support, rest, ice, and, sometimes, a short course of anti-inflammatories. You can also do three simple stretching exercises at home to speed resolution and prevent recurrence. Stretching is most effective if you do it several times a day.
Plantar fasciitis is the most common injury of the foot. It is an inflammation of the connective tissue extending from the calcaneus, or heel bone, to metatarsals at the ball of your foot. Repetitive use from prolonged walking or running leads to... More -
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition involving the degeneration, inflammation, and irritation of the plantar fascia in one or both feet. The plantar fascia is a thick tissue band in the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toe and forms the arch. The inflammation and degeneration may cause acute, stabbing pains in the heel. This pain is typically most noticeable with the first steps in the morning and may subside throughout the day. Pain may also occur after standing or being inactive for a long period of time.
In adults, plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It is estimated that this condition occurs in more than two million Americans every year. It often occurs in the middle-aged population, most commonly affecting runners, people who are overweight or pregnant, those with occupations that require long periods of standing or sitting, or those wearing inadequately supportive shoes. Having a tight Achilles tendon, which connects the calf to the heel, and other abnormalities of the lower legs and feet may also increase the risk for plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis was once thought to be caused by heel spurs, which are small calcifications in the foot. Research has found that this theory lacks evidence; however, up to one-half of patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis may have heel spurs.You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition involving the degeneration, inflammation, and irritation of the plantar fascia in one or both feet. The plantar fascia is a thick tissue band in the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toe... More -
Dr. James Ioli answered:Plantar fasciitis or pain at the attachment of the plantar fascia -- the ligament-like structure that runs from your heel to the ball of your foot -- is a leading cause of heel pain, affecting two million people in the United States and accounting for one million doctor's visits annually. And it's no wonder; when too much pressure or strain is placed on the plantar fascia, it can become inflamed, usually at the heel. This can happen to anyone, but occurs more often in those who overdo high-impact exercise, are obese, or wear shoes that don't provide proper support. If you develop plantar fasciitis, you usually feel pain under your heel when you first get out of bed. The pain may ease as you walk around, only to return later in the day.Plantar fasciitis or pain at the attachment of the plantar fascia -- the ligament-like structure that runs from your heel to the ball of your foot -- is a leading cause of heel pain, affecting two million people in the United States and... More -
Dr. Christopher Hodgkins of Baptist Health South Florida answered:Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the connective tissue on the sole of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot.Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the connective tissue on the sole of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot. More -
Healthwise answered:Plantar fasciitis (say "PLAN-ter fash-ee-EYE-tus") is pain in your heel or the bottom of your foot. It happens when the flat band of tissue (ligament) that supports the arch of your foot is inflamed or irritated.
Plantar fasciitis is common in middle-aged people. It also occurs in younger people who are on their feet a lot, like athletes or soldiers. It can happen in one foot or both feet.
Plantar fasciitis (say "PLAN-ter fash-ee-EYE-tus") is pain in your heel or the bottom of your foot. It happens when the flat band of tissue (ligament) that supports the arch of your foot is inflamed or irritated. Plantar fasciitis is common in... More
