Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory process of the plantar fascia.
The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue originating on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extending along the sole of the foot towards the five toes. It has been reported that plantar fasciitis occurs in two million Americans a year and 10% of the population over a lifetime.
Plantar fasciitis is commonly associated with long periods of work-related weight bearing. Among non-athletic populations, it is associated with a high body mass index. The pain is usually felt on the underside of the heel and is often most intense with the first steps of the day. Another symptom is that the sufferer has difficulty bending the foot so that the toes are brought toward the shin (decreased dorsiflexion of the ankle). A symptom commonly recognized among sufferers of plantar fasciitis is increased probability of knee pains, especially among runners.
Your physician may recommend physical therapy because of your plantar fasciitis diagnosis, and Progressive Physical Therapy offers treatment options to assist in your recovery. Contact your local office to set up an appointment today!