Fibromyalgia and Plantar Fasciitis
The link between Fibromyalgia and Plantar Fasciitis is a very interesting one. According to one study, 85 percent of people with Fibromyalgia also have heel pain. And anecdotally many women with Fibromyalgia have been diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis who belong to Fibromyalgia Facebook groups. Just as with Fibromyalgia, more women than men suffer with Plantar Fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition in people with Fibromyalgia. Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the fascia which is found under the foot. I have written extensively about fascia and why I believe it is key to my Fibromyalgia cure.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
It is believed that Plantar Fasciitis is caused by over exercising or exercising in the wrong way, wearing badly fitted shoes or high heels, by being overweight or having to be on your feet for long periods of the day.
These causes of Plantar Fasciitis may be explained in the general population, but for people with Fibromyalgia I believe it is different. I believe it is caused by a build up of restrictive, painful fascia.
Restricted Fascia
Many people with both Fibromyalgia and Plantar Fasciitis are advised to see a podiatrist, wear specialist shoes, use cushioned insoles or have custom orthotics made. All these suggestions can be very costly. Others undergo steroid injections to help relieve the pain. But all these treatments are unnecessary if you have both Fibromyalgia and Plantar Fasciitis, as restrictive fascia is one of the major symptoms of Fibromyalgia. By finding ways to smooth out the stiff, knotted, tightened, taut and painful fascia under your feet, you will become pain free.
And painful restricted fascia is not just a problem in the feet – it is found all over the body.
Fascia resembles cling film in appearance and serves a comparable purpose by enveloping all muscles, organs, bones, and nerve fibers within our bodies.
Fascia forms a three-dimensional web-like network that surrounds and supports muscles, organs, bones, and other tissues. It helps maintain the structural integrity and shape of these body parts.
Fascia also plays a role in the movement and distribution of fluids within the body, including blood, lymph, and interstitial fluid. It helps maintain proper fluid balance and facilitates waste removal.
Akin to the thin, translucent layer of fascia visible around a chicken breast or other raw meat, it is not fat, muscle, or bone, but rather a specific type of connective tissue.
This stretchable "glue" adheres to and encases the aforementioned elements.
Regrettably, individuals with Fibromyalgia appear to experience stiff and painful fascia throughout their bodies.
My experience of Fibromyalgia and Plantar Fasciitis
Having both Fibromyalgia and Plantar Fasciitis is incredibly painful. One of my worst symptoms when I was very unwell was extremely painful feet. Despite wearing comfortable and well fitting shoes I was in agony. At one point I had to walk on my tip toes because I could not physically lower my heels to the ground. Only after researching fascia did I discover ways to cure my Plantar Fasciitis.
Basically I bought a range of spiky balls from Amazon and followed YouTube videos of how to use myofascial release techniques to cure Plantar Fasciitis.
This YouTube video shows you exactly how to do it.
More on Fibromyalgia and Plantar Fasciitis
Fibromyalgia and plantar fasciitis are two separate medical conditions, but there can be a connection between them in some cases. Here's an explanation of their relationship:
- Overlapping Symptoms: Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tender points. Plantar fasciitis, on the other hand, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Both conditions can result in foot pain and discomfort, and individuals with fibromyalgia may experience symptoms similar to plantar fasciitis.
- Increased Susceptibility: Fibromyalgia is believed to be associated with increased sensitivity to pain, often referred to as central sensitization. This heightened pain response can make individuals with fibromyalgia more prone to developing other pain conditions, including plantar fasciitis. The repetitive strain and stress placed on the feet can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis in people with fibromyalgia.
- Biomechanical Factors: In some cases, the biomechanical abnormalities associated with fibromyalgia may contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. Individuals with fibromyalgia may have altered foot mechanics, such as flat feet (pes planus) or high arches (pes cavus), which can put excessive stress on the plantar fascia. These abnormalities can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
- Activity Limitations: Fibromyalgia can cause limitations in physical activity due to pain and fatigue. Reduced physical activity or avoidance of weight-bearing exercises can lead to de-conditioning and weakening of the muscles and structures in the foot, potentially making them more susceptible to conditions like plantar fasciitis.
- Comorbid Conditions: Fibromyalgia often coexists with other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or osteoarthritis, which can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. These conditions can cause joint inflammation and affect the mechanics of the foot, potentially leading to plantar fasciitis.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain disorder that affects the musculoskeletal system. Here are some key points about fibromyalgia:
- Symptoms: The primary symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain throughout the body, often accompanied by tender points or trigger points. Other common symptoms include fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties (referred to as "fibro fog"), headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and heightened sensitivity to stimuli.
- Causes: The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood. It is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. It may be triggered by physical trauma, infections, or emotional stress.
- Diagnosis: Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be challenging, as there are no specific diagnostic tests. Doctors typically rely on a thorough examination of symptoms and medical history, ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms.
- Treatment: Fibromyalgia management often involves a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment may include medications to alleviate pain, improve sleep, and manage associated conditions like depression or anxiety. Physical therapy, exercise, stress reduction techniques, and lifestyle modifications can also be beneficial.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. Here's more information about plantar fasciitis:
- Symptoms: The hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain, typically felt during the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. The pain is often described as a sharp, stabbing sensation in the bottom of the foot near the heel. It may improve with movement but worsen with prolonged standing or activity.
- Causes: Plantar fasciitis is primarily caused by repetitive strain or overuse of the plantar fascia. It can be associated with factors such as excessive standing, walking, running, high-impact activities, improper footwear, obesity, and foot mechanics issues like flat feet or high arches.
- Diagnosis: Diagnosis is usually made based on the characteristic symptoms and a physical examination of the foot. Imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasound may be used to rule out other conditions or evaluate the severity of the condition.
- Treatment: Treatment for plantar fasciitis aims to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Conservative measures include rest, ice therapy, stretching exercises, wearing supportive footwear, using orthotic inserts, and physical therapy. In more severe or persistent cases, medical interventions like corticosteroid injections or extracorporeal shockwave therapy may be considered.