Plantar fasciitis is characterised by acute inflammation of the plantar fascia of the foot, usually caused by repetitive microtrauma, in which the thick connective tissue located in the sole of the foot at its insertion into the calcaneus becomes inflamed. Factors such as inappropriate footwear, mechanical exertion in incorrect postures and repetitive movements can cause or aggravate it. It is often associated with the presence of a heel spur, brought on by a periosteal reaction, because of the increase in the traction of the medial musculature of the foot.
Plantar Fasciitis~Symptoms
Pain that is usually felt in the anterior-medial base of the heel, becoming more acute when the patient gets up in the morning due to nighttime stiffness, but decreasing during the day with moderate activities. This pain, however, increases with mechanical exertion, which requires greater overloading.
Plantar Fasciitis~Orthotic Treatment
Treatment is usually a combination of rehabilitation techniques, corticosteroids and the use of plantar orthoses with appropriate footwear. Plantar orthoses facilitate the distribution of loads by providing selective distribution of plantar loads and forces, thereby enabling the plantar fascia to relax and reducing medial plantar tension. In acute cases, the use of postural orthoses at night to keep the foot at a neutral 90° angle can provide the relaxation needed to prevent the appearance of stiffness.
