Plantar Fasciitis
Overview
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick connective tissue structure that runs from your heel to your toes and supports the arch of your foot. Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that can develop when this fascia becomes irritated or inflamed. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain.
Symptoms
What Are The Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis?
The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is sharp or stabbing pain on the underside of your heel when standing or walking. For others causes of heel pain see heel spur or Achilles tendonitis.
Treatment
How Do I Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis treatment may include:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Rest
- Rolling a tennis ball or frozen water bottle under the foot
- Wearing a splint or boot cast
- Properly fitted best custom orthotics or orthopedic shoes
- Elastic therapeutic tape
- Over-the-counter insoles or modified insoles
- Taking ill-fitting footwear out of rotation
If you have persistent heel pain, schedule a diagnostic assessment with our own licensed Chiropodists (foot specialists), use the booking form below or call 416-769-FEET(3338).
Our Toronto foot clinic is open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturdays 10am-4pm. You do not need a referral to become a patient at our Foot clinic.
Causes
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the long fascial structure that runs between your toes and heels becomes strained, leading to micro-tears in the fascia and pain under the heel.
Risk Factors
What Risk Factors Are Associated With Plantar Fasciitis?
Certain risk factors may increase your chances of developing plantar fasciitis:
- Flimsy footwear: wearing shoes with soft soles that don’t adequately absorb shock while you walk
- High-impact sports: Certain types of exercise put extra stress on the plantar fascia including long-distance running, ballet, and high intensity interval training
- Arch abnormalities: having flat feet or high arches
- Faulty foot mechanics
- Long hours on foot: working a job that requires you to be on your feet for a prolonged period of time, i.e. teachers, nurses, restaurant servers and factory workers (see Who We Treat)
- Increased body mass index
Prevention
How Do I Prevent Plantar Fasciitis?
In order to prevent plantar fasciitis and heel pain, here are various foot care solutions to consider:
- Wear supportive shoes with good shock absorption and arch support
- Avoid high heels
- Replace worn-out running shoes
- Switch to lower-impact sports such as cycling or swimming
- Routinely stretch your arches, Achilles tendons, and calves
- Maintain a healthy body weight
Our clinic store is open six days a week and offers a large selection of supportive footwear, athletic shoes, and sneakers (see What’s In Store). If you need assistance choosing shoes, drop-in shoe fitting is offered during clinic hours Monday-Friday and is a complimentary service.
Book an appointment for plantar fasciitis
You do not need a referral to become a patient at our foot clinic. Schedule an appointment by using the Appointment Request form below or contact the clinic at 416-769-FEET(3338).