Plantar Fascitis and Orthotic Support

May 1 2004 John Danchik
Plantar Fascitis and Orthotic Support
May 1 2004 John Danchik

T HE CLASSIC PRESENTATION OF PLANTAR fascitis is "a sharp heel pain that radiates along the bottom of the in­side of the foot. The pain is often worse when getting out of bed in the morning."1 This can occur in runners or other ath­letes who repetitively land on the foot. Another susceptible group is middle-aged persons who have spent much time on their feet. More rarely, the fascia becomes inflamed after a single traumatic event, such as landing wrong after a jump, or running a long hill. The vast majority (95%) will respond to conservative care, and not require sur­gery.2 Proper treatment is necessary, how­ever, to both ensure continued participa­tion in sports and daily activities and avoid chronic damage. The plantar fascia is the major structure that supports and main­tains the arched alignment of the foot.3 This aponeurosis functions as a "bow­string" to hold up the longitudinal arch. Pathology Plantar fascitis develops when repeti­tive weight bearing stress irritates and in­flames the tough connective tissues along the bottom of the foot. High levels of strain stimulate the aponeurosis to try to heal and strengthen. If the biomechanical strain continues, it overwhelms the body's repair capacity, and the ligaments begin to fail. It is this tear/repair process that causes the chronic, variable symptoms that can eventually become unbearable in some patients. Since the plantar fascia inserts into the base of the calcaneus, the chronic pull and inflammation can stimulate the depo­sition of calcium, resulting in a classic heel spur seen on a lateral radiograph. Unfor­tunately, there is no correlation between the presence of a heel spur and plantar fascitis: many heel spurs are clinically si­lent, and most cases of plantar fascitis do not demonstrate a calcaneal spur.4 Examination Biomechanical evaluation may find ei­ther excessive pronation or supination. The flatter, hyperpronating foot over­stretches the bowstring function of the plantar fascia, while the high-arched, rigid foot places excessive tension on the plan- tar aponeurosis. In either case, it is the combination of improper foot biomechan-ics and excessive strain that causes the connective tissue to become inflamed. A careful assessment of the weight bearing alignment of the lower extremities is help­ful, since many patients will have func­tional imbalances up the kinetic chain, into the pelvis and spine. Direct palpation of the plantar fascia will demonstrate discrete painful areas, most commonly at the insertion on the antero-medial calcaneus/ Fibrotic thickenings are frequently felt—these are remnants of the repetitive "tear and repair" process. With the foot relaxed, grasp the toes and gently pull them up into passive dorsiflex-ion. Since this maneuver stretches the irritated plantar aponeurosis, it is fre­quently quite painful, and is an obviously positive objective sign. Conclusion Plantar fascitis usually responds well to focused, conservative treatment. Ste- roid injections and surgical release are seldom necessary, and are best avoided. One of the most important treatment meth­ods is to reduce any tendency to pronate excessively. In addition to custom-made orthotics, runners should wear well-de­signed shoes that provide good heel sta­bility. The use of custom-made orthotics can prevent many overuse problems from de­veloping in the lower extremities. Investi­gation of foot biomechanics is a good idea in all patients, but especially for those who are recreationally active. EZQ ► See pg 59 for References Dr. John J. Danchik is the seventh inductee to the American Chiropractic Association Sports Hall of Fame. He is the current chairperson of the United Slates Olympic Committee s Chiro­practic Selection Program. He lectures exten­sively in the United States and abroad on cur­rent trends in sports chiropractic and rehabili­tation. Dr. Danchik is an associate editor of the Journal of the Neuromusculoskeletal System. He has been in private practice in Massachu­setts for 27 years. He can be reached by e-mail at docluriocili.iicwl.com. Taping. Temporary support for the strained plantar fascia can be provided with figure-8 taping. Restricted activity. Repetitive and straining activities should be strictly limited, initially. Immobilization is not recommended. Cryotherapy. Ice massage and/or cold packs help reduce pain and inflammation. Healing Ultrasound. Initially pulsed, then constant and direct (once inflam­ mation has subsided). Transverse friction massage. To stimulate blood flow and collagen deposition.6 • Vitamin C with bioflavonoids. A natu­ ral anti-inflammatory that can speed healing. Adjustments Calcaneus. Reduction of calcaneus posteriority to relieve sagittal stress. Kell's technique uses a posterior to anterior thrust on a table with a pelvic drop piece.7 Other foot joints. Brantingham found various areas of joint dysfunction in the tarsal and metatarsal joints in patients with plantar fascitis.8 The navicular and first metatarsophalangeal joints are often involved. Orthotic Support Orthotics for pronation. To support the arches and reduce the stress on the plantar fascia. Orthotics for supination. Arch support with added viscoelastic mate­rial to cushion the foot and decrease the amount of shock at heel strike. Heel spur correction. A "divot" in the surface of the material under the heel to spread pressure away from the fascial insertion. Rehabilitation9 Heel and foot stretching. "Runner's stretch" for the calf and the bottom of the foot. Intrinsic muscle strengthening. Toe curl exercises (sitting, gather a towel on the floor up under the arch- repeat three times). Extrinsic muscle strengthening. Toe raises (standing on the edge of a stair, slowly rise up on balls of feet), ankle stabilizing series with exercise tubing.