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Abstract
Plantar fasciopathy: therapeutic exercise
published in January - February 2017 - in Il Fisioterapista - issue n.1
Annalisa Corradini, Stefano Sorrentino

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is one of the most common cause for foot pain; this condition affects as much as 10% of the population over the course of a lifetime. The histology of plantar fasciitis is poorly understood, but studies show degenerative changes at the plantar fascia enthesis. Clinicians should assess the presence of limited ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, high body mass index and work-related weight-bearing activities – particularly under conditions with poor shock absorption – as risk factors for the development of PF. Results from randomized controlled trials suggest that calf muscle and plantar fascia-specific stretching, and high-load strength training are effective in the treatment of PF. Furthermore, clinicians may prescribe strengthening exercises and movement training for muscles that control dynamic knee valgus and pronation of the foot, so as to improve the dynamic alignment of the legs and attenuate forces during weight-bearing activities.