What is chronic plantar fasciitis (heel spurs)?
The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band that runs along the sole of the foot. It helps maintain the complex arch system of the foot and plays a role in one’s balance and gait. This condition is usually the result of repetitive micro-trauma (running, walking, standing) or biomechanical deficiency of the foot causing thickening of the plantar fascia, decreased blood flow and loss of elasticity. Heel pain symptoms are prominent upon rising, and can be exacerbated by long periods of standing. Pain may be severe enough to disable the patient from normal activities of daily living. Patients that experience chronic plantar fasciitis have had the condition for a minimum of 6 months and are unresponsive to conservative care such as stretching, night splints, orthotics, injections, and anti-inflammatory medications. What is chronic lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)? Tennis elbow is a syndrome characterized by pain over the outer aspect of the elbow. Pain can be aggravated by gripping, heav
