Plantar fasciitis, or plantar fasciosis, is one of the most common foot injuries. It is a degenerative process of the fascia at its insertion into the calcaneus and causes pain in the medial part of that area during support.
It is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, that is, the fibrous and elastic tissue that surrounds the intrinsic musculature of the foot, which goes from the calcaneus (heel) to the toes and extends with each step that we give. It is also known as ‘the windlass mechanism’. Its function is essential when walking, it is one of those responsible for maintaining the plantar arch, absorbing and returning the energy that is produced when the foot hits the ground.
Symptoms
FP is an overload caused by errors in the biomechanics of the arch of the foot.
- Heel pain, especially medially
- Pain on the sole of the foot
- Stiffness in the morning
- Pain when taking the first steps after a long period of rest. The pain subsides after walking for a few minutes
- Pain after walking/running a lot
Internal and external factors
The most common causes of plantar fasciitis can be divided into internal and external factors.
Internal | External |
Age, BMI | Footwear |
Flat feet | Training surface |
Excessive pronation | Activities (impact sport) |
Leg length asymmetry | Frequency, intensity and volume of training |
Muscular weakness | Trauma |
Tratamiento
En primer instante se trata de descomprimir la zona del talón para evitar una mala gestión de las cargas en el pie. Debemos trabajar las cargas de forma progresiva para conseguir la adaptación del pie, ejercitando la fascia plantar y todas las estructuras que intervienen como la musculatura intrínseca del pie. En la fase aguda el tratamiento de Indiba y la neuromodulación tienen buenos resultados para disminuir el dolor y desinflamar la zona.
La valoración del pie es importante y si fuera necesario derivar a un podólogo para una posible intervención de una plantilla. Es muy importante la observación sintomatológica para descartar otras patologías como pueden ser el espolón calcáneo o alguna fractura.