SPORTS INJURIES

PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Plantar Fasciitis or plantar fascia strain

A very common injuries affecting runners is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. This condition affects the sole of the foot. Very often there is localised pain at the heel. Sometimes the pain is along the sole of the foot in the tendons running between the heel and the toes.

What is a Plantar fascia strain?

The plantar fascia or arch ligament is a band that runs from under the heel to the front of the foot. A strain or rupture to this is quite common. It might result from one single traumatic incident or may gradually occur over a period of time. Very often with runners it comes on slowly. It may start as a slight pain that gets ignored because “I can run through it”, and then eventually gets to the point where you cannot run without pain.

Remember: Pain is the body’s way of telling you to stop. Listen to it

Symptoms

· Localised tenderness and pain on the base of the heel bone.

· Pain along the tendons along the sole of the foot.

· A nodule or lump in the plantar sole of the foot might indicate a partial rupture

Treatment

· Rest (use crutches to take the weight off the foot if needed).

· Tape the foot to provide protection and take the strain off the foot.

· Ultrasound or audiosonic therapy.

· Sports massage techniques.

· Strengthening, stretching and rehabilitation exercises.

· A plantar fasciitis strain usually heals within two to three weeks.

Written by: Brian Porter