Rupture of the Plantar Fascia Vs. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis and plantar fascia rupture are both foot injuries that can be caused by many factors. Both can be very painful and symptoms include pain in the bottom of the heel. Plantar fascia rupture is a more serious injury than plantar fasciitis.

Plantar Fascia

• Plantar fascia is the thick band of tissue that covers the bones on the bottom of the foot. It is the connective tissue that extends from the heel to the bones of the ball of the foot. If this muscle is overused or strained, it can become irritated and inflamed, which is termed plantar fasciitis. When it is torn, the condition is called plantar fascia rupture.

Plantar Fasciitis

• Plantar fasciitis, the irritation and swelling of the muscles and ligaments on the bottom of the foot, can cause pain in the heel and arch of the foot which often leads to a decreased amount of activity. The swelling is caused by over-stretching the fibrous tissue by a number of factors that may include foot arch problems, running, obesity and wearing ill-fitting shoes.

Plantar Fascia Rupture

• Plantar fasciitis can sometimes lead to the rupture of plantar fascia if continued stress is applied to the already swollen and irritated tissue at the bottom of the foot. Symptoms include inflammation, bruising and sharp pain on the affected area. This injury causes the inability to stand on the foot, run or engage in most sports. Athletes who have increased their training and sports activity in a sudden manner can cause this injury to happen.

Treatment

• Plantar fasciitis can be treated conservatively with anti-inflammatory medications, ice massage, gentle stretching, rest and activity modification. For athletes, a different, gentler approach to training is necessary. Runners should avoid hills, hard surfaces, unstable surfaces and ill-fitting shoes.

  Plantar fascia rupture is more serious and, aside from conservative in-home treatments, it may require more rest and medical attention. Surgery and physical therapy are two effective methods that can be done to heal and rehabilitate this injury.

Risk Factors

• According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, you are more likely to suffer plantar fascia injuries if you're a woman, overweight or if you have a job that requires a lot of walking or standing on hard surfaces. People who run or walk for exercise are also at risk as well as those who have abnormal foot structures such as flat feet or high arches.

Warning

• If you are suffering from either plantar fasciitis or plantar fascia rupture, consult with your physician first regarding your orthopedic problems for medication and other treatments as you may have specific conditions that will need to be evaluated.