Persistent Plantar Fasciitis troubleshooting with Ian Griffiths (part2)
Jul 9, 2021
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Ian Griffiths, a podiatrist and researcher specializing in Plantar Fasciitis, dives deep into the complexities of this common heel pain. He discusses why plantar fasciitis is so prevalent and outlines the challenges in finding effective treatments. Common mistakes runners make while dealing with PF are highlighted, as well as evidence-based approaches to treatment. The conversation emphasizes the importance of education and community support in managing chronic heel pain, offering valuable insights for both sufferers and healthcare providers.
Understanding the complexities of plantar fasciitis involves recognizing common misdiagnoses and the significant impact of psychological factors on pain management.
Effective treatment strategies for plantar fasciitis should consider training changes rather than anatomical features like heel spurs or foot posture.
Deep dives
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
Key indicators of plantar fasciitis include first-step pain and poststatic dyskinesia, which refers to stiffness and soreness upon weight-bearing after a period of rest. This is particularly noticeable after sleeping or sitting for an extended time. Differentiating plantar fasciitis from other conditions like nerve entrapments and fat pad irritation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians often encounter various diagnostic challenges, making it essential to confirm that symptoms are indeed related to the plantar fascia rather than other potential issues.
Coexisting Foot Conditions and Their Impact
It is common for runners to experience multiple foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis alongside Achilles tendinopathy or big toe arthritis. The relationships between these conditions can be complex, as biomechanical issues may influence the overall function and loading of the foot. Management strategies for coexisting foot problems may need to be tailored because treatments effective for one condition could aggravate another. Clinicians should also consider systemic factors when assessing patients with multiple site pain to rule out inflammatory or metabolic issues.
Chronic Pain and Psychological Factors
Chronic plantar fasciitis cases, particularly those that are highly irritable and unresponsive to common treatments, may require deeper investigations to confirm the correct diagnosis. Psychological and social factors significantly influence the pain experience, as stress and anxiety can heighten sensitivity to pain. Both the persistence of symptoms and their impact on daily life should be considered, as these factors often exacerbate the condition, creating a cycle of pain and distress. A comprehensive approach addressing biopsychosocial components can be key to effective treatment.
Myths Surrounding Plantar Fasciitis and Foot Posture
There are many misconceptions surrounding the causes of plantar fasciitis, including a false correlation with heel spurs and overpronation. Although these anatomical features might be present, they often do not directly cause pain, particularly in individuals who have previously run without issues. When runners increase their training intensity or volume, it is typically the training changes, not foot posture, that leads to plantar fasciitis. Educating patients about their conditions and promoting a proactive approach to recovery can help dispel harmful beliefs about their foot structure and its implications.
Part 2 of 2: Brodie Chats with Podiatrist, researcher & podcast host Ian Griffiths all about Plantar Fasciitis. We talk about the harsh reality of this heel pain and why is it so common, along with the confusion involving treatment.
Some topics that we cover:
Why is plantar fasciitis so prevalent?
Why is so it hard to seek effective treatment?
What are some common mistakes running with PF make?
What does the evidence indicate regarding treatment?