What Type of Conservative Treatments Can Help for Plantar Fasciitis?

Discussion The plantar fascia consists of 3 bands of dense connective tissue that originates in the medical calcaneal tubercle and inserts into the base of each of the 5 proximal phalyanxes in a fan-shaped distribution. It acts as a shock absorber and reinforces the medial longitudinal arch as the foot undergoes forward propulsion. The -itis in plantar fasciitis (PF) is a misnomer as it is not an acute inflammation but is a chronic degenerative process involving the plantar fascia aponeurosis of the foot usually at the medial tubercle of the calcaneous. Repetitive strain seems to cause microtearing which then causes a repair response where there can be thickening and fibrosis of the plantar fascia. Plantar fasciosis is a more accurate term to describe the pathology as it is currently understood. About 1 million visits occur each year for PF in the US. It is most common in the 45-64 year old age group and least common in the pediatric age group. However it does occur as a chronic overuse syndrome for pediatric patients particularly those that are deconditioned, starting new exercise regimens, exercising on a hard surface or are obese. These are risk factors for all age groups and other risk factors include standing for long time periods, sedentary individuals, military personnel or long-distance runners. Additional risk factors include pes planus, pes cavus, shortened Achilles tendon, limited ankle dorsiflexion, weak foot or plantar flexor muscles, and overpronation. Environm...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news