Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has been suffering from a sore foot and was recently diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, commonly known as heel pain. The California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA) offers the following primer on plantar fasciitis.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis (heel pain) is generally the result of faulty biomechanics (walking abnormalities) that place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it. Literally it is an inflammation of the band of fibrous connective tissue (fascia) running along the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot, from the heel to the ball of the foot. The disorder is characterized by a sharp, knife-like pain in the heel when one first stands. This pain is often at its worst when rising out of bed in the morning.

How does someone develop plantar fasciitis?

The condition occurs when the plantar fascia is strained over time beyond its normal extension, causing the soft tissue fibers of the fascia to tear or stretch at points along its length. This leads to inflammation, pain, and possibly the growth of a bone spur where it attaches to the heel bone. The stress may also result from injury, a bruise from walking, running on hard surfaces, wearing poorly constructed shoes, or being overweight. In addition, the inflammation may be aggravated by shoes that lack appropriate support, especially in the arch area, and by the chronic irritation that sometimes accompanies an athletic lifestyle.

Who is at risk for plantar fasciitis?

It is estimated that more than two million people receive treatment for plantar fasciitis in the United States each year. "Heel pain is one of the most common conditions that a doctor of podiatric medicine sees in patients with active lifestyles," says Franklin Kase, DPM, immediate past president of CPMA and a podiatric surgeon in private practice in Burbank, Calif. "Both amateur and professional athletes are at a higher risk, and it is especially common among athletes who run and jump a lot. More young people are getting involved in sports at an early age and are therefore developing heel pain sooner than many other people who are not as active."

How does plantar fasciitis affect someone's lifestyle and activity level?

"Any foot pain is not normal," says Dr. Kase. "Plantar fasciitis can certainly stop people from participating in their normal exercise routine. With the increased emphasis on walking for exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and combat obesity and diabetes, people should not let heel pain linger too long as it will contribute to a diminishing level of fitness." If someone has heel pain they should first try changing shoes, reducing activity, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and trying over-the-counter arch supports. If the pain does not improve after a month, they should consult a doctor of podiatric medicine.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Treatment for plantar fasciitis may include taping the foot to reduce the stress on the plantar fascia, stretching exercises, ice massage, custom orthotics or over-the-counter shoe inserts, heel lifts, night splints, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and immobilization with a walking boot or full leg cast. If plantar fasciitis does not respond to these conventional treatments, the patient should be checked for a stress fracture, which can be diagnosed with a more sophisticated type of imaging study such as a bone scan or MRI. If the condition still remains after six months of treatment, additional measures should be considered such as extra-corporeal shock wave therapy, the use of a high frequency shock wave to stimulate healing. If heel pain continues for a prolonged period of time and is unresponsive to the above treatments, surgery may be needed.

What is the prognosis for someone with plantar fasciitis?

The vast majority of people with plantar fasciitis will get better and be able to resume normal activities. "With proper treatment, plantar fasciitis can be remedied without surgery in approximately 95 percent of cases," says Dr. Kase.

For More Information

For more information on heel pain, plantar fasciitis and general foot care, contact the CPMA at 1-800-FOOT-CARE, or visit http://www.podiatrists.org.

The California Podiatric Medical Association includes nearly 1,000 doctors of podiatric medicine throughout the state. Founded in 1912 as a professional medical association, CPMA exists "to promote, advance and protect the profession of podiatric medicine, to preserve the rights of the patients it serves and to seek continuous improvement in the quality of patient treatment and care."

To interview a doctor of podiatric medicine in your local area, please contact Brody Public Relations at 310-582-0085 or joanna@brody-pr.com.
http://www.podiatrists.org