Plantarfasciitis is simply inflammation of the plantarfascia. Most often, it occurs where the tissue attaches to the heal bone. The location of pain is usually on the bottom of the foot, near the heel bone, but more toward the inside portion of it. It can occur when the tissue is really tight and then suddenly put in to a stretch, causing small tears. It can also occur when someone is walking or standing wrong, putting excessive pressure on the heel.
When we sleep, are feet are usually pointed downward. Not only does this put our plantarfascia in shortened position for the length of our sleep, but it also puts the calves in a shortened position. So if you’re sleeping for 8 hours like this, and then you wake up and suddenly start walking around, this requires the calves and plantarfascia to suddenly have to go in to a stretched position. The change between being shortened for 8 hours, then having to stretch, may be too much of a change for some people. This could lead to microtears of the plantarfascia and Plantarfasciitis. By wearing a nightsplint and keeping the calves and plantarfascia in a LESS shortened position during sleep, this may help prevent or treat Plantarfasciitis. Also, frequently stretching the calves can also help in this manner.
Common treatment for Plantarfasciitis, other than wearing a night splint and stretching the calves, can consist of ankle joint mobilization/stretching in order to improve the foot and ankle mechanics, as well as foot and ankle stabilization so there is more control during standing and walking. If these strategies are needed, it is best done so in Physical Therapy, rather than as a home exercise program.
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