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What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Jan 15, 2014
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis Arch Pain? The plantar fasciitis is a thick, fibrous ligament in the arch of the foot. This ligament attaches into the heel bone and fans out towards the ball of the foot and attaches into the base of the toes.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis Arch Pain?

The plantar fasciitis is a thick, fibrous ligament in the arch of the foot. This ligament attaches into the heel bone and fans out towards the ball of the foot and attaches into the base of the toes. It acts as a shock absorber while walking and stretches as the foot flattens. If this ligament is stretched excessively it will become inflamed and begin to cause pain. In severe cases, the ligament can rupture, resulting in immediate intense pain and disabling you in putting any weight on the foot. Sports such as tennis, racquetball, and aerobics can cause extreme tension on the plantar fascia resulting in small tears or rupture of the ligament. Small tears in the plantar fascia can lead to the formation of firm nodules within the ligament called, fibromas.

How is Plantar Fascilitis Arch Pain Diagnosed?

Your podiatrist will diagnose this type of condition after discussing the course of history of the condition and by giving you a physical foot exam. Weight bearing X-rays may also be used to determine if a heel spur has formed as a result of the constant ligament pull and to rule out other possible causes of heal pain such as a stress fracture, bone tumors, or soft tissue damage.

How Do You Treat Plantar Fasciitis?

The treatment for plantar fasciitis is similar to the treatment for heel pain. Cortisone injections may be used for the treatment of this condition. Your foot doctor will first try to limit the forces that are causing the ligament to stretch excessively through calf muscle stretching, night splints, over the counter arch supports, and orthotics.

Metroplex Foot and Ankle is a progressive group of physicians and surgeons who are committed to helping our patients to achieve their full wellness potential. Contact our Dallas PodiatristGarland Podiatrist, or Richardson Podiatrist offices to schedule an appointment today.