New Research on Plantar Fasciitis

by Dr. Michael Cerami

The last times I googled Plantar Fasciitis, there were over 2.5 million reference hits. It’s a painful, depressing condition that in some cases can take almost a year to correct.

If you’ve had it you know what I’m talking about. We treat the problem at our office but today I want to share some new information and 7 home treatments that should help.

RESEARCH: Plantar Fasciitis is slowly morphing into Plantar Fasciosis. The difference in the name being that we are now considering it to be a tissue “degeneration” problem and NOT an “inflammatory” problem as originally labeled. These conditions are treated very differently.

Feel free to click here to read about a study that reviewed 50 cases of chronic plantar fasciitis.

Click here to watch  a 6 minute video from Dr. McClanahan, DPM and Correct Toes discussing the difference between “itis” and “osis”.

If this is actually the case we need to reconsider anti-inflammatories as a treatment option and consider strengthening and exercising the area.

1-2 months of self-therapy may be to resolve the problem. If you are not getting results after 4 weeks of regular, diligent therapy we suggest you seek the advice of a health professional.

Here are our current recommendations for self-treatment of Plantar Fasciosis:

Stretches:

1. Bottom of foot (#1)
2. Raising big toe and alternating with other toes
3. Reverse toe stretch
4. Posterior calf stretch

Massage, Ice, Daytime, Nighttime:

1. Massage Inner (media portion) of the heel
2. Massage between the 1^st and 2^nd toe
   1. Work on improving the motion and flexibility of the big toe
   2. Do not over stimulate the area!!
      1. Massage the attachment with a Trigger Point ball –Available at Salt Lake Running Co.
      2. Ice:
         1. Fill the bucket with water
         2. Add ice
         3. Soak for 5-8 minutes and then elevate for 5 minutes
         4. Toe spreaders (Correct Toes)
            1. At nighttime and/or during the day

Shoes and socks:

• Wide toe box: Try the Altra brand shoe
• Stiff midsole and slight toe-spring in the forefoot
• Inserts if you haven’t used any yet
• Socks: Feetures, Strassburg sock

Taping: Low-dye taping to support the plantar fascia

• Approximate the heel and the toes: We recommend Rocktape.
• Feel free to email us and we’ll send you a PDF on how to tape for Plantar Fasciosis.

Dr. Michael Cerami owns Utah Sports and Wellness and has been a competitive triathlete for over 19 years. He is available for a no charge consultation one Saturday per month at The Salt Lake Running Company (700 East store) by appointment. He can be reached at 801-486-1818 or online at www.utahsportsandwellness.com