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PLANTAR FASCITIS: What Are Your Feet Telling You?

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This series of articles will be focusing on the major “itis’” of the body. Over the next few weeks get excited to learn about the pathology, diagnoses and treatment of the major inflammatory conditions of the musculotendinous tissue throughout our body. “itis” translates medically as an inflammatory condition. These conditions are generally caused by chronic repetitive overuse of a structure over a particular time. Acute injuries are not to be ruled out to be causative factors. It is possible to have an acute injury that is hidden “occult” that can turn into a chronic problem over the course of several weeks or months.

The Plantar Fascia is a thick fascia structure that extends from the base of our heel outward to all 5 toes. It’s purpose is to create stability throughout our foot in order to help aid with proper mechanics during walking, running , jumping and all weight bearing activities. Plantar Fascitis (PF) is small or large fibrotic tears of the fascia tissue itself. Overtime scar tissue will form to bridge the gaps between the torn tissue. This is how the body attempts to heal itself. Scar tissue can tend to be tight tissue that overtime will become more elastic. At night during sleep the tissue tends to shorten due to our foot position, in the morning pain throughout the fascia reappears. This is a classic sign of inflammation through the foot and/or Achilles tendon.

PF stems from 3 major different areas.

  1. Excessive or late pronation: The arch collapses too much or too late in heel to toe action during weight bearing activities.
  2. Poor foot structure : The joints in the foot move too much or too little, the muscles in the feet, ankle, arch and lower leg are not efficient and/or the ligaments in our feet are loose or “lax”.
  3. Improper shoes for your specific foot structure: These include dress, flip flops and high heels.

PF is treated systematically: decrease inflammation + restore normal motion/strength + restore proper foot mechanics= return to normal activities pain free

  1. Modify stresses to the feet
  2. Decrease mileage and time spent on feet
  3. Stretch fascia and supporting lower leg muscles
  4. Myofascial release
  5. Strengthening program
  6. Proper shoes ALL the time
  7. Custom Fitted Orthotics (Evaluations available through our 4S location)
  8. Physical Therapy assessment when pain exceeds 2 wks
  9. Slow progression back to normal activities

There is no reason you should have to live with daily pain, There are resources all around you in order for you to experience a pain free STRONGER, FASTER, MORE EFFICIENT, HAPPIER YOU!!

About the Author - Rachel

Rachel began her journey into medicine right here in San Diego County back in 2001. She attended Point Loma Nazarene University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Athletic Training. She worked for several years as an ATC in Southern California at a premier outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine facility. She went on to complete her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University in 2009. She continued into her professional career as a Physical Therapist/ Certified Athletic Trainer at Team Physical Therapy in Rancho Cucamonga, Ca. She began with ProActive Physical Therapy in 2011 and primarily works at our Vista clinic. Rachel has specialized training in manual techniques of the spine, gait analysis and proper orthotic wear. She is experienced with athletic taping, bracing and Kinesiotape. She uses functional movement screening to assess her patients and aggressively treats sport related injuries. Rachel enjoys teaching her patients how to manage their wellness, strength and incorporate a balanced lifestyle in order to remain active, pain free and healthy.