Your plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue originating on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extending along the sole of the foot towards the toes.
What is Plantar Fasciopathy
Plantar fasciopathy is believed to have a mechanical nature of onset whereby failure of the plantar fascia supporting the loads applied to the foot is the cause. Injury to the plantar fascia can be acute or chronic and is thought to result from chronic overload from either lifestyle or exercise. Whilst acute tears of the plantar fascia can occur in runners and jumpers, the most cases are due to progressive and chronic overload.
Plantar fasciopathy is one of the most common causes of plantar heel pain in both runners and non-runners, with 10% of people experiencing plantar fasciopathy across their lifespan. Plantar fasciitis affects both sedentary and athletic people.
Signs & Symptoms
Pain & tenderness on the medial aspect of the calcaneus (medial calcaneal tubercle)
Morning pain that can last from the first few steps to minutes or longer
Ache or stiffness that increases with rest following activities including excessive walking or running (especially uphill, on uneven surfaces), jumping, hoping or activities involving repeated change of direction.
Pain that warms up with activity (initial stages of the condition)
Pain with heel raises (going up on the toes)
Increased pain and stiffness in the heel for 24 hours after exercise (ie. The next morning)
Risk Factors
Being overweight
Age – middle aged or older
Certain population groups
Runners or those whose activity involves lots of jumping (ballet, dancing)