What we know commonly as Plantar Fasciitis is actually known by another name in the medical industry….Plantar Fasciopathy (PF)!
‘Changing a few letters in the name, what’s the point in that?’, I hear you say.
Well actually it is quite significant. As we understand what is actually happening to the tissue, it means the treatment of the condition may change, hence why we change the name/description….
Itis – a condition where inflammation is present.
Opathy – this is a degenerative condition, a suffering of the tissue if you like.
PF is considered a degenerative condition and not an inflammatory condition. There are reduced signs of inflammation present, and it leans more heavily towards a condition where there is deterioration of the tissue which is a result of repetitive overuse.
What this means is that if you try to treat this as an inflammatory condition, your symptoms will probably keep on returning and returning and returning.
Symptoms can include:
· Pain on that initial step
· Pain during weight bearing tasks – usually after a period of rest
· Pain under the heel or sole of the foot
Did you know?
15% of foot injuries are attributed to Plantar Fasciopathy, with it being more common between the ages of 40-60.
17.4% of the running population will be affected by the condition.
As we start to understand what is happening to the tissue (atrophy), we need to change our approach on how we will deal with it.
There are actually quite a few treatment options available (see below), but as I’ve said before (and I will continue to do so), no two people are the same. So, what works for one may not work for another. I have personally seen really good results in clients who use a mix of mobilising, strength (emphasis on the strength!) exercises and dry needling/ massage into their rehab.
Treatment options available to you:
· Heavy load strengthening (lower reps, rather than high as this condition is a repetitive strain injury)
· Dry needling/ Acupuncture
· Massage & mobilisations
· Taping
· Rest
· Shockwave Therapy
However!
What is just as important as the treatment is looking at why this has occurred in the first place. Many factors can come into play, but things such as faulty loading patterns (gait), the wrong type of trainers, calcaneal spurs (extra bone growth on the heel), and inhibited muscles and stress, can all play a part.
If you are a runner, looking into your training and what can be modified here as well will make a huge difference. A basic look at your FITT (frequency, intensity, time and type) would be a good starting point. Think about what you are running on as well; there have been studies to suggest barefoot running on grass, when rehabbing from PF, will also help improve your symptoms. A word of caution on this though, your FITT protocol will needed to be adapted, particularly if you have never run barefoot before.