Plantar fasciitis / Heel spur
Rehabilitation training for the injury

Rehab strength and mobility

You should make sure to exercise the rest of the body so you do not lose your current mobility, stability, and strength. Figure out what kind of training you can do, and work out according to the level you can work at. Exercising the rest of the body accelerates healing of your injury, among other things, since training increases nerve activity and circulation.

Description of plantar fasciitis

The condition is caused my microtrauma in tissues on the bottom of the foot and the arch of the foot (aponeurosis plantaris) to the frontal attachment behind the toes (plantar fascia). The cause of pain is an overload of the aponeurosis tendon occurring most commonly in people who walk a lot (soldiers, mailmen, nurses, etc.), people who suffer from being overweight, and athletes with hyper-pronation. This type of injury is the “brother” of calcaneodynia located at the front of the arch tendons insertion. When the toes are bent, as for example when initiating gait, the aponeurosis plantaris is tensed and the longitudinal arch is stabilized. In some cases where the set-off from the ground is forceful, ruptures at the insertion site of the plantaris aponeurosis (frontal behind the toes) can occur.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
  • Pain at the aponeurosis plantaris insertion, front part of the tendon in the arch.
  • Worsening condition when overloaded.
  • Morning stiffness and limp.
  • Heavy pain when walking on toes, or attempting to do so.
  • Prickling sensation on the outside of the foot.
  • Occasional swelling and signs of inflammation in the area.
Examination of plantar fasciitis
  • Analyse/inspektion/palpation/ROM.
  • Walk on heel and toes.
  • Impetus / initiating movement.
  • Passive stretch of aponeurosis plantaris.
Misdiagnosis / differential diagnosis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome (nerve being clamped in the tarsal tunnel).
  • Bursitis tuber calcanei. (irritated bursa / footpad under the heel).
  • Damage or atrophy (decrease) of the heel’s cushion.
  • Calcaneodynia.
Treating plantar fasciitis

The damage should be treated optimally from the start to avoid the development of chronic problems.

  • Active rest (movement as normal to the pain limit, but not over the limit!).
  • Sports taping.
  • Shoe inserts / insoles.
  • Løbesko korrektion evt. nye sko.
  • Ultrasound (continuous / pulsating), 3 Mhz, 0.5-1 W cm2.
  • NSAID gel or Traumeel cream.
  • Kinesiology tape.
  • K-Laser.
  • Traumeel pills (2 tablespoons 3 g. daily for 9 days).

Your doctor may give anti-inflammatory medicine and possibly operate if there is a rupture (tearing) of the aponeurosis (foot arch tendon).

Rehabilitation training for the injury

Rehab strength and mobility