PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Description of Plantar Fasciitis

• Definition: Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes.

• Types:

  • Non-insertional plantar fasciitis: This type occurs in the middle part of the plantar fascia, away from the heel bone.
  • Insertional plantar fasciitis: This type occurs at the heel bone, where the plantar fascia attaches.

• Causes:

  • Overuse or repetitive strain on the plantar fascia
  • Poor foot mechanics or abnormal gait
  • Obesity or being overweight
  • Wearing shoes with poor arch support
  • Age-related wear and tear on the plantar fascia

• Clinical Features:

  • Pain or discomfort in the heel or bottom of the foot
  • Pain that worsens with weight-bearing activities or prolonged standing
  • Pain that may radiate to the ankle or toes
  • Possible heel spurs or bone spurs in the heel bone

• Investigations:

  • X-rays to rule out bone spurs or fractures
  • Ultrasound or MRI to evaluate the plantar fascia and surrounding tissues
  • Physical examination to assess foot mechanics and gait

Blood Supply and Nerve Supply

• Blood Supply: The plantar fascia receives blood supply from the plantar arch, which is formed by the dorsalis pedis artery
• Nerve Supply: The plantar fascia is innervated by the medial and lateral plantar nerves, which are branches of the posterior tibial nerve

Clinical Anatomy

• The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes.
• The plantar fascia has no bony attachments, but it is attached to the heel bone via the plantar calcaneonavicular ligament.
• The plantar fascia plays a crucial role in supporting the arch of the foot and facilitating weight-bearing activities.

Complications

• Chronic pain or discomfort in the heel or bottom of the foot
• Heel spurs or bone spurs in the heel bone
• Plantar fascia tears or ruptures
• Arthritis or degenerative joint disease in the heel or foot

Management and Treatment

• Conservative management:
  • Rest and ice to reduce pain and inflammation
  • Stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce tension on the plantar fascia
  • Orthotics or shoe inserts to support the arch and reduce pressure on the plantar fascia
  • Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation
• Surgical management:
  • Plantar fascia release: a surgical procedure to release the plantar fascia and relieve tension on the surrounding tissues
  • Plantar fascia resection: a surgical procedure to remove a portion of the plantar fascia

Homoeopathic Therapeutic Medicines

• Calcarea phosphorica: for heel pain and inflammation
• Lycopodium: for plantar fascia inflammation and pain
• Rhus toxicodendron: for plantar fascia inflammation and pain
• Arnica montana: for pain and inflammation in the heel or bottom of the foot

Mechanism of Plantar Fasciitis

• Overuse or repetitive strain on the plantar fascia leads to micro-tears and inflammation in the tissue.
• Poor foot mechanics or abnormal gait can exacerbate the condition and lead to further inflammation and pain.
• Age-related wear and tear on the plantar fascia can also contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.