THE BIOMECHANICS OF THE FOOT ORTHOTICS TO TREAT PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Orthotics to Treat Plantar Fasciitis

The Biomechanics of The Foot Orthotics to Treat Plantar Fasciitis

Introduction

Plantar fasciitis is a degenerative medical condition that causes heel pain at the medial tuberosity of the plantar surface of the calcaneous, which is the area of origin of the medial and central bands of the plantar fascia. The pain has a gradual onset, is worse in the mornings, after long periods of sitting and during exercise. In many cases, it can become a chronic condition. The pain associated with plantar fasciitis interferes with not only moderate and high intensity activities, but low impact movements such as walking. It is estimated that 10% of all runners and a comparable proportion of the general population suffer from plantar fasciitis. This makes it one of the most common diagnoses for inferior heel pain(Basford 1998). The individuals diagnosed with plantar fasciitis vary to a significant extent. It affects both genders equally, and although plantar fasciitis does have a broader age range, the incidence peaks between 35 and 50 years of age.

History

While there is much known about the gross anatomy of the plantar fascia, there is a lack of information regarding its microscopic appearance. It has been suggested by Bird (2001) that the plantar fascia is similar to the ligaments of the foot, but more recent studies have recognized that the plantar fascia is unlikely to be identical to either the tendon or ligament. The midsubstance of the plantar fascia consists of elongated fibrocytes set in within an extracellular matrix consisting of collagen fibres arranged in a waving pattern. The fibrocytes are responsible for producing the collagen and are set up in longitudinal rows. The fibrocytes have attenuated cell processes that enclose the collagen fibres and form gap junctions with fibrocytes from bordering rows. This arrangement allows the fibrocytes to form a communication complex that is able to sense and react to changes in load by modifying the composition of the extracellular matrix. The plantar fascia may not only be able to act as a passively transmitting force, but also an active sensory structure which would be able to alter its composition in response to external demands.

Plantar fasciitis is an extremely common problem. However, the exact incidence and prevalence have not been determined(Berlet 2000). Ten percent of runners and a comparable proportion of the general population are estimated to suffer from plantar fasciitis making it one of the most common diagnosis for inferior heel pain. Bilateral symptoms may occur in at least a third of those cases (Singh, 2009). Plantar fasciitis accounts for approximately 11-15% of all foot symptoms requiring proper care(Batt 1996). Individuals diagnosed with plantar fasciitis vary incredibly. It affects both genders equally, and although it does affect a broad age range, the incidence peaks between 35 and 50 years of age.

Causes

The following reason may be the cause.

The sports without adequate preparation of muscles and tendons, or without properequipment. Running or jogging, jumping, team sports (volleyball, ...