Plantar Fasciitis in Athletes and Others

Plantar fasciitis, which results in heel pain usually felt with the first steps of the morning, is inflammation of the firbrous band that runs along the bottoms of the foot from the heel to the toes.

This ailment is often caused by oversue. Athletes who suffer from this injury may have overstepped their bounds a bit in training, or they may have suffered an injury, such as a pulled calf msucle, which had led to plantar fasciitis. In other situations, an arch that is very low or exceptionally high may be the cause of the problem.

For athletes, the injury should be iced immediately. The athlete should abstain from activity until the discomfort is gone. Splinting and taping are often prescribed to help the plantar fascia recover. Exercises that stretch the plantar fascia are frequently recommended to avoid a repeat of the problem.

Plantar fasciitis has become so common, it has been referred to as an epidemic. One reason for this may be the "graying of America". Plantar fasciitis tends to affect people between the ages of 40 and 60, and this age group now makes up the largest percentage of the population.

Often, this problem can be treated conservatively to relieve pain. Orthotics, therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and other treatment modalities may all be attempted before resorting to surgery. Indeed, many patients who undergo conservative treatments are pain-free within a year.

Surgery to release the plantar fascia is generally only recommended when conservative treatments have failed.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist in Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today!