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Leonard Gordon
Dr. William D. Green
Human Biology 1090-011
23, November, 2015
Plantar fasciitis
The average human walks the distance of three times around the Earth in a lifetime. That
is enormous wear and tear on the feet. Planter Fasciitis is just one of the many conditions
effecting peoples feet but very common as it effects one in ten people at some time in their life.
Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It
involves pain and inflammation of a thick band of tissue, called the plantar fascia that runs across
the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (Staff). Planter Fasciitis
effects athletes but is most common among adults between the ages of 40 to 60 years, but it can
occur at any age and is more common in women. Women have about four times as many foot
problems as men. Im sure high heels are partly to blame.

Planter Fasciitis is the most common cause of heal pain, medically known as infracalcaneal pain, and accounts for nearly 15% of all foot complaints that require professional
treatment. Though Planter Fasciitis may be treated with surgery, most surgeons will require that
patients fail at least 9 months of conservative treatments before suggesting surgery. Plantar
fasciitis, with or without an inferior calcaneal spur, is one of the most common foot problems
reported to primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, or podiatric physicians. Fortunately,
8590% of these cases will respond to conservative treatment including stretching, taping,
orthotic devices, and anti-inflammatory medications (steroidal and nonsteroidal), along with

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local physical therapy measures (Hake). There are many non-operative measures that can help
to resolve symptoms, such as injections, physical therapy, arch supports, etc. The force on the
supporting structures of the feet is great when standing, walking or running as your feet have to
support your bodys entire weight during these activities. There is a lot that can go into
prevention of some foot problems though. Start with proper fitting shoes with good heal support.

Your feet are the foundation for your entire body. The foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints,
107 ligaments and 19 muscles. Having a better understanding of your feet and even doing
research to avoid or minimize foot problems can play a huge role in anyones over-all health.
Understanding the etiology of the problem and directing treatment accordingly is the key to
successful treatment of plantar fasciitis. Close attention must be paid during the history and
physical examination to ensure that other potential causes of heel pain are not missed (Young).
75% of Americans will experience foot problems at one time or another in their lives. 25% of all
the bones in the human body are down in your feet. When those bones are out of alignment, so is
the rest of your body. I suggest to take the proper precautions when it comes to your feet.

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Works Cited
Staff, Mayo Clinic. Diseases and Conditions: Plantar fasciitis. mayoclinic.org. Web. 23
November, 2015.
Hake, Daniel H., DPM, FACFAS. Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy: A Minimally Traumatic
Procedure for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis. Us National Library of Medicine ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Web. 23 November, 2015.
Young, Craig C., MD. Plantar Fasciitis Treatment & Management. emedicine.medscape.com.
Web. 23 November, 2015.

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Reflection
I very much enjoyed the research and information I learned while completing this project. I
coach youth football and found that Planter Fasciitis is very common among young athletes and
over active youth, mainly because they are so active and their bones are still growing and
forming. I believe my research will help with assisting to relieve symptoms and pain among
athletes I am currently working with and will be working with in the future.