Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the superficial muscles found on the sole of the foot, stretching from the heel to the ball of the foot. It forms the arch of the foot. This condition can be very painful and stiff. The pain may be dull or sharp and it tends to be located just in front of the heel on the sole of the foot. There may be swelling or redness on the sole of the foot. The sole of the foot may ache or burn. It tends to be worse first thing in the morning. It can be very painful when walking or standing a long time. It can be worse after climbing stairs or intense activity.
Some causes of Plantar Fasciitis;
Increasing the amount of exercise, especially running,
A change in the type of exercise, such as running on hard surfaces instead of soft, or starting to run downhill,
Sudden weight gain,
Foot arch problems such as high arches or flat feet,
Tight Achilles tendon or tight calf muscles
Wearing shoes with poor arch support or soft soles.
An Osteopath can help by diagnosing the problem, giving appropriate treatment and advice such as stretches, taping, resting, iceing and use of foot and heel supports. They will consider the body as a whole and may treat other areas of the body other than the affected leg and foot.