Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
Updated on November 09, 2024
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Regarding the causes of plantar fasciitis, the most common cause observed clinically is prolonged and excessive weight-bearing walking. Local excessive stimulation, exposure to cold, or trauma can also trigger plantar fasciitis. The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the sole of the foot. The methods to manage it include reducing local stimuli. For a period of time in the near future, try to avoid weight-bearing walking as much as possible, persist in using topical Chinese herbal medicines that invigorate the blood and dispel stasis which are boiled and then used for fumigation washing daily. Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications, and blood-activating stasis-dispelling medications should be taken for treatment. Topical plasters that invigorate the blood and dispel stasis can also be used locally. Gradually, recovery will be achieved.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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How is plantar fasciitis treated?

The treatment of plantar fasciitis currently is divided into two methods in clinical practice. The first method is conservative treatment, which includes rest, avoiding strenuous exertion and excessive weight-bearing walking. It can be managed with physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy, and local block injections. If conservative treatments do not improve the condition or even if the pain progressively worsens over more than half a year, severely affecting daily life, surgical treatment may be necessary. The objectives of surgical treatment are firstly to release the plantar fascia and secondly to remove bone, as a significant portion of patients with plantar fasciitis also have heel spurs; therefore, the surgical procedure involves the removal of these bone spurs to alleviate the pain.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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Where to massage for plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition seen in clinics, often more frequent among women who wear high heels for extended periods on uneven surfaces, as this may increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Due to prolonged tension in the soles of the feet, coupled with extended periods of standing and walking, this phenomenon can easily occur. Once it happens, treatments such as heat application, physiotherapy, massage, and electric heating can help alleviate the symptoms. Methods like massage and heat application can stimulate increased local blood flow, expand blood vessels, and accelerate blood flow, effectively alleviating symptoms and thus easing the discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis. It is best to rest strictly in bed for this condition. When standing, the weight-bearing on the affected foot makes the pain more pronounced. Symptoms naturally alleviate when the fascia is relaxed during rest. Treatments such as physiotherapy and massage, as well as taking medications that promote blood circulation and relieve pain, are needed. The improvement is a prolonged process, but conditions are prone to recurrence. It is advisable to wear softer sports shoes more often, with softer, thicker insoles to reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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How long does it take to recover from plantar fasciitis?

For the disease of plantar fasciitis, if treated under normal conventional methods, the recovery time is generally around four to six weeks. However, during the treatment period, it is crucial to strictly follow the treatment principles, such as prohibiting excessive weight-bearing walking, strenuous exercise, and overworking. At the same time, some physical therapy methods should be coordinated, such as massage, acupuncture, electrotherapy, and magnetotherapy. In more severe cases, occlusion methods can be used to alleviate local pain. Generally, the time frame is four to six weeks. If the results from regular conservative treatment are not satisfactory, surgical treatment may be required later on.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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What department should I go to for plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to the aseptic inflammatory reaction of the plantar fascia caused by prolonged exercise or activity, which results in pain and restricted movement. If plantar fasciitis occurs, it is recommended to seek treatment in the orthopedics department of a formal hospital. Based on the symptoms, an appropriate treatment method should be chosen. Initially, it is important to rest and avoid excessive activities. Additionally, the application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation, facilitating the restoration of walking and functional abilities.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is mostly caused by prolonged standing, such as wearing high heels or leather shoes for extended periods. The fascia remains tense under these conditions, leading to tenderness in the sole's fascia upon examination. Pain tends to intensify while walking or bearing weight and alleviates when resting as the fascia relaxes. It is best to diagnose and treat this condition early. Applying heat, reducing the movement of the affected limb, and avoiding tension in the fascia are advisable. Consuming medications that invigorate blood circulation and relieve pain can also help, generally improving symptoms within 7 to 10 days. Recovery might be slow in some cases due to fascial damage. Furthermore, repeated pulling or tension from standing and working can lead to recurrent episodes. Rest is recommended for such individuals, and wearing softer sports shoes during activities can be beneficial. Resting and taking blood-invigorating medications usually lead to gradual recovery. For severe cases ineffective with conservative treatment, surgical cutting of the fascia may be performed to relieve pain. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)