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Plantar FasciitisThe plantar fascia is a dense band of fibrous tissue that extends from the bottom of the heel bone (calcaneus) to the base of the toes (ball of the foot). It is the primary supporting mechanism for the arch of the foot. It is attached to the middle region of the calcaneus, and as it progresses toward the forefoot it divides into 5 sections, each extending into a toe and straddling the flexor tendons. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia. Plantar fasciitis is often associated with heel spurs, which are protrusions that develop along the edge of calcaneous. The term “heel spur” is often used interchangeably with the term “plantar fasciitis;” but the conditions, while closely related, are not identical. Heel spurs typically are not painful and can occur without plantar fasciitis; but their intrusion into the soft tissue surrounding the area (the plantar fascia) can be a source of irritation to the tissue and a contributing cause of heel pain. Heel spurs often occur as the body’s response to inflammation of the plantar fascia. Pain from plantar fasciitis can best be described as a stabbing or burning pain, akin to a hot nail being driven into the inside area of the heel. It is often most noticeable in the morning when you arise from sleep. Because the plantar fascia has been relaxed and has contracted during the night while the foot is plantar flexed (pointed downward in a heels up position), pointing the toes upward (called “dorsiflexion”) causes the fascia to stretch and become irritated again, producing the morning pain that is typical of plantar fasciitis. Pain from plantar fasciitis often diminishes once you have been walking or exercising for a while.
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