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Plantar Fascia

WHAT IS IT?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of soft tissue which connects the heel to each one of the metatarsal bones that form part of the sole of the foot. When this tissue is inflamed, it causes a pathology named plantar fasciitis which usually causes pain in the heel, as the insertion at this area is most frequently affected.

CAUSES

Although this pathology occurs in both sexes, it tends to be more frequent in men between the ages of forty and sixty years old. There are many causes which can increase the risk of suffering from fasciitis plantar, which are, among others, the use of inappropriate footwear, being overweight or obese, having flat feet or high arches, doing sports like basketball, football or athletics, or having a tense Achilles tendon.

SYMPTOMS

Generally, the most common symptom is heel pain, though this can also extend itself to the sole of the foot, occasionally causing a burning sensation. This pain is usually more intense on taking the first few steps after getting out of bed or after having rested for some time. It is also usually more intense after doing physical activity or climbing stairs.

TREATMENT

• Rest and anti-inflammatory medication.
• The use of insoles and suitable footwear.
• Shockwave therapy.
• Biological treatment using PRGF®-Endoret®.

Treatment using PRGF®-Endoret® for plantar fasciitis

Under ultrasound, the affected plantar fascia area is injected in the same way as with tendon injections. This is a painful injection, which may sometimes be carried out under sedation in the operating theatre or using anaesthetic blocking on an outpatient basis in the Biological Therapy Unit.