Plantar fasciitis: Part 4

Progression of Plantar fasciitis

In the beginning, plantar fasciitis may appear to be a nuisance and the pain may be tolerated. However, very quickly the disorder can limit one’s life style. The pain will come on quickly and be constant. Other individuals will find it difficult to walk even a few steps or wear shoes comfortably. Over time, most individuals develop an abnormal gait that places more strain on the back and hips.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is relatively simple. While the diagnosis can be made from the history and clinical presentation, some physicians may order an x ray or an MRI. Sometimes, a bone spur or a pinched nerve can present in a similar fashion.

X rays are done to ensure that there is no bone spur. Previously it was felt that all cases of plantar fasciitis were due to a bone spur. However, many individuals have bone spurs on their heels and have no symptoms. It is believed that in most cases bone spurs are an incidental finding and not a cause of plantar fasciitis.

What is plantar fasciitis? part 1

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain in North American society. While a lot has been published about plantar fasciitis, the condition is still an enigma and quite difficult to treat. Even though many treatments are available, none is satisfactory.

Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain that can be constant and agonizing. The plantar fascia that connects the heel bone to the toes gets inflamed and can cause moderate to severe pain. During acute episodes, one may have great difficulty wearing shoes or even walking. Often the pain is constant and worse at night.

Once plantar fasciitis occurs, pain is first immediately felt while walking. After taking a few steps one may feel stabbing pain in the heel. The pain usually varies from moderate to severe. The pain only diminishes when one stops walking. However at times, even after a prolonged rest, the pain immediately comes back when one takes a few steps.

Plantar fasciitis can occur in anyone but is especially more common in athletes, obese individuals, pregnant women and those who wear shoes which have inadequate heel support. About 90 percent of people who develop plantar fasciitis generally recover with conservative treatments in just a few months.