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Seems like the Phillies just can't seem to catch a break. Injury after injury have caused a frustrating season. Now their one shinning star in this Phillies line up "Chooch" Carlos Ruiz is suffering from plantar fasciitis. What is this and what can we expect for "Chooch"?
The plantar fascia is a long ligament originates from the heel and attaches into the toes. This ligament helps to support the arch. This is one of the few foot problems that can occur in any individual, such as flat feet, high arch or normal feet. The ligament becomes inflamed at its attachment to the heel. The pain can be located at the heel or anywhere along the entire course of this ligament. The pain with the first step in the morning or after a rest or can be all day long. The pain can be aching or throbbing or even sharp. Sometimes it can be a nuisance pain and sometimes it can even be debilitating where you don't want to put your heel on the ground.
The good news is 90% of patients will get complete relief with conservative measures. Treatment goals include supporting the arch, reducing the inflammation, and stretching. Externally supporting the arch in the short term can be done by apply a taping technique directly onto the foot. In the long term, arch supports or orthotics are used. To reduce inflammation, oral medications, topical medications, ice and cortisone injections can be used. These effectively reduce the inflammation at the attachment of the ligament to the heel bone and therefore reduce the pain. Stretching is an essential for treatment, as well as, preventing recurrence of heel pain. You can stretch the foot by grabbing the ends of the towel and place it around your foot to pull your foot back or simply bend down and touch your toes. If these simple stretches do not help then a night splint can be prescribed which hold the foot at a 90 degree angle to stretch the plantar fascia while you sleep.
Dr. "Sandie" Grulke
http://www.podiatrycarespecialists.com/
