CLINICAL CARE: PODIATRY
BY MAUREEN SALAMON
Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Treatment At a Glance •
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain.
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The majority of patients can find relief with over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics and stretching.
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Night-time splinting is no longer recommended.
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Recovery takes about two to three months for most patients.
Each year, millions of people in the United States are treated for plantar fasciitis (PF), the most common cause of heel pain. Fortunately, the majority of them can find relief with conservative treatments and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, making retail health clinics one-stop solutions for PF care. Causes and Consequences Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick and fibrous tissue that runs from the heel to the toes and supports the arch of the foot. Repeated and excessive strain on the tissue can produce many small tears, resulting in irritation and inflammation. Left untreated, PF can turn into chronic heel pain that significantly impairs everyday activities like walking. Changes in a patient’s gait can cause additional ailments in the foot over time, as well as in related regions like the knee or hip. Clear Signs The hallmark symptom of PF is stabbing pain in the heel when a patient first gets out of bed in the morning.
CONVENIENT CARE CLINICIAN
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APRIL/MAY 2022
5/13/22 11:58 AM
