It is the inflammation of thick, tight fibrous tissue located on the sole of the foot (fascia plantar) that is inserted into the heel bone (calcaneus) and unfolds forward to anchor at the base of the fingers. This dense strip of fabric helps support the arch of the foot by acting like an archer's bowstring.

This structure has an essential function in gait, since it is one of the main responsible for absorbing and returning the energy that is produced when the foot hits the ground. In addition, it takes care of protect metatarsals avoiding excessive flexion of the fingers.

Inflammation of this structure is one of the most frequent causes of pain in the heel.

When the fascia is injured, the pain can spread throughout the plantar arch, but its usual location is along the inner edge of the heel near the arch of the foot, which is the weight-bearing area of ​​the heel and is very pressure sensitive.

The pain is more intense in the morning, after walking for a long period of time and after rest periods.

Most people with plantar fasciitis describe the pain as a razor or pin pricking the bottom of the foot . Other patients say they feel like they have a stone inside the shoe. At the end of the day, pain can improve with rest.

Diagnosis is made by examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical examination.

Likewise, it is important to carry out a study of biomechanical gait that reveals the behavior of the foot in dynamics and can be useful to find out the cause of fasciitis.

Finally, we will confirm the diagnosis with a X-ray and an ultrasound that will help us to rule out other pathologies .

As pain is the main symptomatology, it is used as a guide to follow the evolution and effectiveness of treatment.

• Currently, with the laser we have excellent results, amongst its effects we highlight:
  • Anti-inflammatory: Laser therapy has an anti-edematous effect by stimulating the tissues. The heat released causes vasodilation, and an activation of the lymphatic drainage system, achieving a reduction in fluid retention caused by inflammation.
  • Analgesic: Laser therapy works by inhibiting or attenuating painful stimuli by blocking the cerebral nociceptive receptors, responsible for transporting painful stimuli.
• The Custom shoe insoles they are a fast and reliable way to treat this problem, since they reduce the tension in the fascia in the acute phase and cushion the impacts better. In our workshop we make plantar supports with the best materials for each case.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs. Taking ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or another similar medicine can help fight pain
• Corticosteroid and anesthetic injections. Can be effective in resistant cases and often provide temporary pain relief.
• The most frequently used regenerative treatment for plantar fasciitis is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), which is effective, safe and easy to perform.
• In order to reduce the tension of the plantar fascia at night, a night splint that prevents the foot from bending down
• The application of ice in the area, for 15 to 20 minutes, helps reduce pain and inflammation and promotes healing.
• The application of adhesive strips along the entire length of the plantar fascia can be very effective, especially for acute pain and sports activity.
• Wearing shoes with good support. It is important to buy shoes with low or moderate heels, with thick soles, use a good custom insole and with additional cushioning.
• Avoid walking barefoot while symptomatic.
• The massage is important to relax the fascia.
• The exercises of plantar fascia stretches are an important part of treatment and prevention.

Some of recommended exercises:

• Towel exercise

Place a towel in front of you. With affectionate toes of the foot, try to bring the towel towards you. Increase the resistance with a weight on the end of the towel.

Do several repetitions with breaks in between.

• Massages with the opposite leg

Move your painful foot slowly up and down over the shin of the other leg, trying to wrap your fingers around it.

• Stretching

Stand some distance from a table resting your hands on the table, bending one knee and with the other leg straight.

Slowly lean toward the table, pressing forward until you feel moderate tension in the calf muscles of the outstretched leg. Hold this position for 15 seconds.

With both heels on the ground, bend the knee of the straight leg until moderate tension is felt on the Achilles tendon and hold this position for another 15 seconds.