Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common inflammatory conditions in Quebec. The severe pain it causes (especially pain in the heel) leads many patients to see a podiatrist. It’s important to understand that plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the fibrous ligament known as the plantar fascia, which supports the arch of the foot.Dr. Marilyne Langlois, podiatrist, gave us some information on the subject.Dr. Marilyne Langlois, podiatrist, provides us with valuable information on the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.She also explains how to treat it.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
The main symptom is a sharp pain felt in the heel. Pain in the arch of the foot is also common. Plantar fasciitis may also be accompanied by secondary symptoms such as pain behind the heel or in the Achilles tendon.
When is this pain felt?
They appear mainly in the morning, when you take your first steps, and will subside or even disappear after a few minutes. They may also be felt when the patient stands up after sitting for a long time. Sportsmen and women may also experience pain during and after sporting activity.
How can the pain caused by plantar fasciitis be relieved quickly?
Firstly, a good way of relieving the pain is to avoid walking barefoot and not to hesitate to apply ice at the first sign of pain. Secondly, I also recommend wearing shoes that offer good support and aren’t too flexible to allow the foot to collapse.
Is a shoe with good support necessarily an orthopaedic shoe?
No, not necessarily. A shoe that offers good support is one whose heel is neither too flat nor too high. Ballerina-type shoes, for example, should be avoided, as should shoes with too high a heel.
Are some people predisposed to developing plantar fasciitis?
Yes, unfortunately, some patients are more at risk than others. Firstly, people with flat or hollow feet are more prone to this type of problem. Then there are patients who are overweight or who have gained a lot of weight in a short space of time. I’m obviously thinking of obese patients, but also pregnant women. Athletes who put a lot of strain on their feet also run a significant risk, especially if they neglect to stretch properly before starting training. Finally, but more rarely, certain patients suffering from inflammatory diseases are likely to develop plantar fasciitis.
Is plantar fasciitis a more recurrent or one-off podiatric condition in a patient?
Generally speaking, as long as the cause of the inflammation is not controlled, the problem is bound to recur. Most of my patients with recurrent plantar fasciitis already suffer from poor biomechanical conditions in their feet. However, in some very rare cases, plantar fasciitis can occur in isolation. For example, a patient who overuses their feet (when moving house or doing particularly intense physical training) may suffer heel pain as a result of plantar fasciitis. However, if they have good foot mechanics, the pain will disappear on its own.
Can plantar fasciitis be hereditary?
Yes, insofar as you inherit the shape of your foot (for example, a flat foot or a hollow foot). Eventually, it is these foot positions that can lead to plantar fasciitis. However, it is possible to inherit the shape of your parents’ feet without suffering the same foot pain.
Is plantar fasciitis a condition that can become permanent?
No, not if you have the right treatment to cure it. When the first heel pain appears, it may be a good idea to do some stretching and apply ice. If this doesn’t work, you should consult a podiatrist as soon as possible.
How can a podiatrist help a patient live better with plantar fasciitis?
Thanks to a thorough examination of the biomechanics of the foot, the podiatrist can make a precise diagnosis of the causes of the inflammation of the fascia and suggest appropriate treatments, including plantar orthoses.
Can a foot orthotic control the pain caused by plantar fasciitis?
Yes, absolutely! The orthotic helps to guide the patient’s foot into an optimal position. The pain caused by plantar fasciitis can therefore disappear. What’s more, a custom-made orthotic prescribed by a podiatrist has the advantage of providing a natural cure. It reduces tension and pain without the need for cortisone injections or anti-inflammatory medication.
What is the link between plantar fasciitis and Lenoir’s thorn?
A Lenoir’s spine is a small growth of bone in the area where plantar fasciitis is found. In practical terms, it is a long-term consequence of constant tension in the plantar fascia. If microtears in the fascia multiply over the years, this is where the spur can eventually form.
What is the worst possible scenario for a patient suffering from plantar fasciitis?
The ‘worst-case scenario’ would be a complete rupture of the fascia. However, this is an extremely rare situation. The most common consequence of neglecting treatment is chronic, intense pain in the heel. This makes it difficult for them to walk, and the loss of mobility directly affects their quality of life.
How does an examination for plantar fasciitis work?
In general, there are 3 stages. Firstly, the podiatrist asks the patient questions to describe the symptoms and obtain his or her personal and family history. Next, the structures of the foot are palpated. Finally, the biomechanics of the patient’s foot are examined to assess posture and gait. At the end of the examination, the podiatrist makes a diagnosis and prescribes the necessary treatment to relieve the patient. If there is a problem with the mechanics of the foot, a custom-made orthotic will be recommended to enable the foot to return to an optimal position.