Swiss DolorClast ® Brochure - Ortho Providers

Heel pain is a “catch-all term” for any condition that can occur around the heel. The most common
of these conditions is known as PLANTAR FASCIITIS. The plantar fascia (PF) is a strong ligament (tensile
strength of 4000 lbs/sq. inch) that is located along the under surface of the foot, extending from the base of
the toes to the heel bone (calcaneus). The PF is almost as wide as the foot and plays an important role in
support of the foot as well as function.
> When the plantar fascia is strained due to overuse, improper shoes, or abnormal foot structure, it can
initially become irritated and painful. As we get older, tissues become less flexible and the PF can become
strained from something as simple as walking a full day in Disneyworld with non supporting, flat shoes.
Although most people have heel pain that lasts only a couple of days, many have repeated episodes of PF
strain leading to the development of scar tissue in the plantar fascia. It is thought that this scar tissue is the
cause of chronic heel pain also known as plantar fasciosis. Although heel spurs (a small forward projection
of bone under the heel) are related to plantar fasciitis, research has shown that permanent elimination of
heel pain caused by plantar fascioses does NOT require the removal of the heel spur.
> Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed with the classic symptoms of pain well localized over the heel area of the
bottom of the foot. Often the pain from plantar fasciitis is most severe when you first stand on your feet in
the morning. Pain often subsides quite quickly, but then returns after prolonged standing or walking.
> Plantar fasciitis is most often seen in middle-aged men and women, but can be found in all age
groups. The condition can be seen in people with high arches, normal arches, and flatfeet. Activities that
seem to initiate PF are people who change their heel height on shoes from normal to flat heels; walking or
running on a soft surface with non supporting shoes; taking on an exercise program and doing too much,
too fast, and standing for long periods of time on a hard surface.
> Plantar fasciitis is sometimes, but not always, associated with overweight people. It is sometimes seen
in recreational athletes, especially runners. In these athletes, it is thought that the repetitive nature of the
sport causes damage to the tissue at the attachment of the PF to the heel.
> Symptoms of plantar fasciitis are typically worsened early in the morning after sleep. At that time, the
arch tissue is tight and simple movements stretch the contracted tissue. As you begin to loosen the foot, the
pain usually subsides, but often returns with prolonged standing or walking.