Plantar Fasciitis
Indication
Plantar fasciitis or Policeman’s heel is a common condition, which can appear for no specific reason. It may on occasions be caused by an increased degree of exercise. The symptoms are of quite significant pain in the base or the heel of the foot especially on bearing weight. It can feel worse in the morning on getting up and putting weight through the foot.
Treatment
If left alone, this condition may resolve over a period of up to two years from the time of onset. To alleviate symptoms, a number of non-surgical treatments are available. Rest and the use of anti-inflammatory medication may help ion mild cases combined with physiotherapy and the active stretching of the plantar fascia. The use of orthoses to off load the affected are may also help. Occasionally, the instillation of local anaesthetic and cortico-steroid into the affected area can help with the relief of symptoms. Recently studies have indicated that extra corporeal shock wave therapy can be helpful in reducing symptoms in the majority of resistant cases of plantar fasciitis.
