Foot Pain - Planar Fasciitis

• The arch of your foot is what maintains the supportive structures. If the arch loses strength the body's framework begins to collapse causing your foot to flatten and the plantar fascia to stretch. Like a sagging bridge the weakness in the middle strains the joints at both ends of your feet. Sometimes symptoms do not come on for years but your feet will fatigue and you may experience difficulty going for a walk or running. If there is significant swelling use ice, some mild compression with an ace bandage or brace and keep your knee elevated.

• X-rays help to identify the bones of the arch of the foot but depending upon your age the problems may be associated with the soft tissues. A good clinical exam and history can give good insight into plantar fasciitis but only an MRI can evaluate the anatomy of the soft tissues i.e. plantar fascia.

• Treatment is generally fairly simple and MRIs are generally not necessary. Simple arch supports give good relief for long periods of time. Dr. Humberstone has an array of different supports available. Custom-made and semi-custom-made.