Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia at its insertion, with or without a heel spur (calcaneal exostosis). The resultant pain may limit the performance of athletes and reduce a person's ability to exercise.
Mechanism: multi-factorial, including repetitive trauma with chronic inflammation and fibrosis of soft tissues. Entrapment of small nerve branches may contribute. Because of the condition's chronic relapsing course, a particular causative incident may be difficult to document.
Risk Factors in General Population
Risk Factors in Athletes
obesity (high body mass index)
prolonged standing, especially with load bearing
running excessively, or increasing distance run
prolonged standing on an unyielding surface
running on an unyielding surface
pes planus (excessive pronation of the foot)
pes cavus (high-arched foot)
reduced ankle dorsiflexion
shortened or tight Achilles tendon
inappropriate shoe design
defect or problem in running shoes
A common presentation is an obese middle-aged patient who may be taking up exercise to lose weight or who may have a job where the person stands all day long.
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