What is plantar fasciitis or heel spur?

The plantar fascia is a thick, flexible band of elastic fibrous tissue that covers the bottom of the foot. Normally the plantar fascia can deal with the demands of daily use, protected by the foot’s arch. When put under excessive stress – for example by flat feet, inadequate footwear or irregular walking patterns – small tears develop in the tissue. Over time this causes inflammation and irritation. A person is then said to be suffering from plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is common amongst athletes – particularly runners and ballet dancers. It also occurs in people who stand or walk for long periods of the day.

Stretching of the plantar fascia can also cause the associated condition known as heel spur, where calcium deposits build up under the heel bone leading to inflammation and pain.

The facts on flat feet

People with flat feet lack support from their arches – either partially or completely. This is a widespread feature of foot structure resulting from genetics, tissue damage or the ageing process.

While flat feet may not cause foot pain in everyone, the condition can contribute to related pain in the upper and lower body as the shock of impact that comes with walking or running is not properly absorbed by the feet. When this happens, the impact of a person’s weight hitting the ground passes through other joints in the body such as the knees, hips and back, even as far up as the temporomandibular joint that connects the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull. A person’s posture and gait may be affected as the body attempts to compensate for this stress.

While not always a problem in and of themselves, flat feet can play a part in related foot, ankle and knee problems. Because they result in greater pressure on the feet and joints, there is a risk of developing other issues if appropriate footwear or preventative precautions are not adopted.

Associated problems

Flat feet are linked with overpronation – in which the feet lean inwards while walking. People with flat feet may also be more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. A flat foot without added support can also cause the foot to be unstable, risking injury.

Flat feet may cause progressive deformities. Left untreated, they can lead to problems such as walking difficulty, chronic pain, arthritic pain and tendonitis.

Symptoms

Plantar fasciitis is often worst in the morning – stabbing pain with the day’s first steps. This is because the tissue has contracted while at rest and is now being stretched again. Pain gradually decreases as the foot loosens up. Over a day’s activity, however, it returns – especially with heavy use of the feet. While plantar fasciitis is often felt around the heel, it may strike anywhere along the sole of the foot.

You may be suffering from this condition if you are experiencing the following:

You feel pain or stiffness at the heel bone or under your foot arch;

The pain is worst in the morning or first steps after long periods of inactivity;

You feel unusual foot and leg fatigue or pain by the end of the day or after physical activity.

Treatment

Flat feet should be evaluated by a doctor of podiatric medicine. If you experience discomfort or would like to take preventative measures to avoid problems associated with flat feet, book a consultation at the Orleans Dynamic Foot Clinic. Our specialists can recommend a course of treatment – such as use of custom orthotics – to improve foot support and movement and reduce the possibility of pain from injury or the wear and tear of living with flat feet.

Ignoring plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic pain. If you are experiencing plantar fasciitis, it is recommended that you book a consultation at the Orleans Dynamic Foot Clinic. A doctor of podiatric medicine will perform a thorough examination using x-rays and the latest technology to determine the activity or biomechanical aspect of your feet which has caused the problem. The treatments you are prescribed should not only aid you in your plantar fasciitis recovery, but also help prevent the pain from recurring.

You can book your appointment on our website or call us at (613) 424-9339.