Plantar Fasciitis (Policeman's Heel)

Often misspelt as as 'Fascitis' and also commonly known as 'policeman's heel', "Plantar Fasciitis" is a painful inflammatory condition causing foot heel pain and in some cases heel spurs. It can also cause symptoms of pain in other areas such as the arch of the foot.

Plantar Fasciitis is one of the more common types of foot heel pain affecting on average over 50% of the population at some time in their life. Generally people over the age of 50 would be presenting with symptoms and the majority of complaints, but, this can affect patients at any age.

Runners, athletes and also military personell in the field (foot soldiers) are prone to developing this unpleasant condition. Also just about anyone who spends much of their time on their feet during the day, such as shopping staff and long distance walkers and trekkers. Its important to wear the right footwear for the type of activity you are involved in, be it running shoes for jogging, appropriate and well fitting boots for walking, or simply comfortable shoes if you have to stand all day in your current job.

Plantar Fasciitis symptoms

Its quite a painful condition and the pain is often felt mostly on the underside of the heel and can be most intense first thing in the morning, I know, ive had it myself for many years ! Plantar Fasciitis feels like a sharp stabbing pain at the bottom or towards the front of the heel bone. The pain can manifest itself after a long time spent on your feet, such as jogging, long walks and standing for extended periods. Generally its more severe after sleeping or sitting down for long periods when the foot has been inactive for some time. Walking can change the symptoms of the pain from a rather sharp pain to more of a dull aching sensation which is nonetheless uncomfortable and unpleasant.

What causes Plantar Fasciitis ?

Apart for general factors such as age, weight and extended periods spent on the feet, the main cause is whats know as 'over-pronation'. Essentially this means that as we walk or run our arches lower and the ankles roll inwards. Tight calf muscles and achilles tendons are also known to contribute to Plantar Fasciitis so it's a good idea to stretch before and after extended walking and exercise.

Its estimated that over-pronation affects over 65% of the US population, and this number is on the increase due to the problems of Obesity and poor general individual foot health. Over pronation occurs as we walk when our arches lower with every step and the plantar fascia is over stretched thus resulting in varying degrees of inflammation. Often the pain is also felt underneath the foot, in the arched area forward of the heel.

A Heel Spur can develop if left untreated for a long time, this is due to the continued pulling of the fascia at the heel. The Spur may not cause any pain itself but would indicate that the condition exists.

Effective treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

There are a number of options available for the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis, some of them more effective than others. The traditional medical treatments include, paint killers, steroid injections and even surgery in some cases. Alternative approaches include Acupuncture, massage and electro-acupuncture which involves using electrical impulses on specific points on the body.

There is some research to suggest that wearing orthodontic insoles and carrying out regular specific exercises can be quite an effective treatment. Its also recommended that the sufferer reduces their time spent standing or walking for long periods and simply allowing the inflammation in the foot and heel to settle down on it own. Anti-inflammatory medication and ice applications either individually or together can also be useful to help reduce the pain and symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis.