Plantar fasciitis (Heel spur)

Put quite simply, Plantar fasciitis is an injury causing heel pain and foot pain. The Plantar Fascia or arch ligament is a band that runs from under the heel to the front of the foot. A rupture can sometimes occur at the origin of the arch ligament and result in inflammation and heel pain. This is more common in sports where jumping is important.

What are the symptoms?


Heel pain at the origin of the arch ligament when weight is put on the foot, pain at this point if standing on tip toes, tenderness and swelling under the heel, numbness along the outside of the sole of the foot.

Pain is usually worse first thing in the morning.. After a few minutes it eases as the foot gets warmed up, but can get worse again during the day especially if walking a lot.

If the athlete over pronates then they may be prone to this injury because as the foot rolls in, the arch ligament is stretched more, putting more strain on it.

What can the athlete do?


Rest until it is not painful. A good taping technique can help the foot get the rest it needs by supporting the plantar fascia.

What a Sports Injury Professional can do:

• Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen
• Prescribe orthotics
• Tape the foot. This is an excellent way of allowing the foot to rest
• X ray to see if there is any bone growth (calcification)
• Operate if there is calcification