May 27 2008
Stretching has always been a part of the treatment regimen for plantar fasciitis, but not all stretches are equal. Research in the past few years has shown that specifically stretching the plantar fascia is more effective than general calf stretching in the short term and has also shown overall pain reduction in the long term. Continue Reading »
Apr 21 2008
Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis, tearing and inflammation of a long ligament on the bottom of the foot, is the most common cause of heel pain. But, there are many other less common conditions which can cause heel pain and may sometimes be confused with plantar fasciitis. Continue Reading »
Dec 27 2007
There is something about the holidays which compels people to ignore foot pain. It could be the holiday spirit …. but it is more likely the stress of shopping and organizing multiple social events, the endless hours walking up and down shopping malls with bags of gifts strapped around both arms and the running in and out of stores in shoes that were not designed for more than sitting in a chair at work. Continue Reading »
Sep 27 2007
Plantar fasciosis is essentially a term used to describe chronic plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is the tearing and resultant inflammation of the plantar fascia, the most common cause of heel pain. “Itis” means inflammation and many studies have shown that after the first few weeks following injury and development of plantar fasciitis, the inflammation decreases. After a few months, the blood flow which was increasing the inflammation initially, has disappeared and the fascial band starts to thicken. The blood supply and initial inflammation are important in the healing of any injury. The blood supply brings needed nutrients and cells which clean up an injury site and stimulate healing. Normally this phase should last only a few weeks.
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Jul 28 2007
The heel spur on the bottom of the heel bone (calcaneus) in this picture looks like it would be painful. But, this individual has never had heel pain. Heel spurs on the bottom of the heel are rarely the source of heel pain. When the heel spurs occur on the bottom of the heel, they are generally associated with plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of heel pain. Continue Reading »
May 19 2007
Obesity and pronated foot type may increase the risk of chronic plantar heel pain: a matched case-control study.
A new study reveals a link between chronic heel pain, pronated feet and obesity. The study included 80 individuals with chronic heel pain and 80 individuals without chronic heel pain. Body Mass Index (BMI), foot posture (foot position while standing), ankle range of motion, lower limb stress and calf endurance were measured in both groups. Questions on the type of activities and time spent were asked.
Results: The chronic heel pain group had a significantly greater body mass index (BMI), a more pronated foot position and greater ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (movement of the foot up, in relationship to the leg). There was no difference between the groups in the measurements of calf endurance or on reported time spent sitting, standing, walking on uneven ground, squatting, climbing or lifting.
Summary: Obesity and pronation are associated with chronic heel pain and this study reinforces the idea that they may be risk factors in development of chronic heel pain. This study does not show an association between the limitation of ankle joint dorsiflexion and chronic heel pain.
Irving DB, Cook JL, Young MA, Menz HB. Obesity and pronated foot type may increase the risk of chronic plantar heel pain: a matched case-control study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2007 May 17;8(1):41
May 12 2007
A study in the July/August issue of The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery in 2006, has demonstrated that Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is an effective and safe treatment for plantar fasciitis. 
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) has been used for treating medical conditions for many years, but emerged in the mid-90s as a treatment for plantar fasciitis. Shockwave therapy is the production of sound waves, not electrical shocks. The sound waves cause controlled tissue injury at an area of chronic inflammation or degeneration and stimulate a healing response by the body. The treatment was FDA approved for treatment of plantar fasciitis in 2000, but has remained under scrutiny because of conflicting research studies.
May 11 2007
The Strassburg SockTM is a comfortable night splint for treating plantar fasciitis, heel pain, heel spurs and tendonitis. The Strassburg Sock is a tubular knit sock with adjustable straps used at night to stretch the plantar fascia and the calf. It is lightweight, breathable and washable. Many people find that the soft night splints are more comfortable than the rigid night splints. The strassburg sock is designed to be pulled on like a sock. The sock fits over the calf and then a strap is connected from the calf to the toes. The strap can then be adjusted and the toes can be pulled back, placing a stretch on the plantar fascia, allowing it to heal in the stretched position.