Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of stabbing pain under the foot. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the underside of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include sharp pain in the heel or arch of the foot, especially when standing or walking. In some cases a heel spur can develop: an extra bony growth on the heel bone that can cause additional pain.
Treatment
Treatment usually consists of rest, stretching and anti-inflammatory medication. Handmade podiatric insoles can reduce the load on the fascia. Not sure? Make an appointment for a consultation.
Scientific evidence
- Cochrane review: the strongest evidence for custom orthoses is for painful high-arched feet, with further evidence for foot pain in (juvenile) rheumatoid arthritis, plantar fasciitis and hallux valgus. Hawke F, Burns J, Radford JA, du Toit V Custom-made foot orthoses for the treatment of foot pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(3):CD006801. PubMed 18646168
- On their own, insoles are not clearly better than sham insoles or other conservative care for heel pain – so combine them with stretching and advice. Rasenberg N, Riel H, Rathleff MS, et al. Efficacy of foot orthoses for the treatment of plantar heel pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2018;52:1040-1046. PubMed 29555795
- Guideline: start with taping, stretching and education; if recovery is insufficient, shockwave therapy and custom orthoses follow. Morrissey D, Cotchett M, Said J’Bari A, et al. Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. Br J Sports Med. 2021;55:1106-1118. PubMed 33785535
Trouble with your feet? We are happy to help.
First consultation usually within 1 week, in Oldenzaal, Denekamp or Losser.