The planter fascia is a wide, nonelastic ligamentous tissue that extends from the anterior portion of the calcaneus to the heads of metatarsals, supplying support to the longitudinal arch of the foot. This tissue can become strained from overuse, unsupportive footwear, a tight Achilles tendon, or running on hard surfaces.

Most often, the cause of planter fasciitis is chronic irritation. Cross-country and track athletes are prone to overuse injuries in which the planter fascia is continually strained from running and jumping.

Basketball and volleyball players are also susceptible to planter fasciitis from repeated jumping and landing.  Affected person can feel pain and tenderness on the bottom of the foot near the heel. If it remains untreated, this condition causes bone imbalance, which can lead to heel spurs, muscle strains, shin splints, and other problems.

Clinical presentation of planter fasciitis

The pain of planter fasciitis is historically Insidious in nature, is worse after rest, and may radiate to the medial ankle or lateral aspect of the foot. The pain is most severe with the first few steps of the day, or when the toes are dorsiflexed. It is often relieved by walking on the lateral aspect of the foot.

Diagnosis of the planter fasciitis

Diagnosis of planter fasciitis is made on the basis of history and physical examination. Radiographs are obtained to rule out stress fractures and bones apurs of the calcaneus. On examination, pain is elicited by palpitation at the anteromedial aspect of the heel on the planter surface.

Homeopathic treatment of planter fasciitis

Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat planter fasciitis but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several remedies are available to treat planter fasciitis that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensations and modalities of the complaints.  For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. There are following remedies which are helpful in the treatment of planter fasciitis:

Natrum Carb – sore pain in ball of foot, on stepping; throbbing and crawling in both heels, as from an ulcer, evenings in bed; corns, with drawing, stitching pains in them.

Magnum – rheumatic patients cannot bear any weight on the heels, the pressure causing dark, almost bluish spots.

Sabina – suffering from rheumatic inflammation; sharp stitches from within outward in both heels; aggravates at night; arthritic pains, violent, boring in toes, especially in great toe.

Graphites – stitches in ell when putting down.

Ammonium Crud – soreness of heels; large horny places on the soles, close to toes; great sensitiveness of soles when walking.

Lycopodium – pains in the heels like pebbles under them on walking or putting pressure or weight upon them.

Silicea – tearing pains in heels due to sprained ankles.

Petroleum – aching in heels relieved by elevating feet; pains like electric shocks.

Cyclamen – burning sore pains in heels-better by moving about, massage and warmth, worse by sitting or standing and by a cold bath.

Borax – pain in heels; burning pain in great toe; inflammation of the bulb of toes, stitches in soles.