Fibromyalgia and plantar fasciitis
Last updated 21/02/2024 by The pain clinics - Interdisciplinary Health
Fibromyalgia and plantar fasciitis
Many people with fibromyalgia are also affected by plantar fasciitis. In this article, we take a closer look at the connection between fibromyalgia and plantar fasciitis.
The plantar fascia is the tendon plate beneath the foot. If a malfunction, damage or inflammation occurs in this, it is called plantar fasciitis. This is a condition that can cause pain under the sole of the foot and towards the front of the heel. Here we will, among other things, go through how pain-sensitive connective tissue (fascia) can be directly linked to fibromyalgia.
"The article has been written and quality checked by publicly authorized health personnel. This includes both physiotherapists and chiropractors at Pain clinics Interdisciplinary Health (see clinic overview here). We always recommend having your pain assessed by knowledgeable healthcare personnel."
Tips: Further down in the guide you will get good advice on heel dampers, use of foot massage roller og compression socks. Links to product recommendations open in a new browser window. We also go through a specific training program (with video).
In this article, you will learn this about plantar fasciitis:
What is plantar fascite?
Pain-sensitive fascia and fibromyalgia
The connection between fibromyalgia and plantar fasciitis
Personal measures against plantar fasciitis
Treatment of plantar fascitis
Exercises and training against plantar fasciitis (includes VIDEO)
1. What is plantar fasciitis?
In the overview picture above (Source: Mayo Foundation) we can see how the plantar fascia extends from the forefoot and attached to the heel bone. Plantar fasciitis, or plantar fasciosis, occurs when we get a tissue mechanism in the attachment at the front of the heel bone. This condition can affect anyone at any age, but tends to occur particularly in those who put a lot of stress on their feet. The diagnosis causes pain in the heel and under the foot. We have previously written an in-depth article about the causes of plantar fasciitis.
- Should normally provide shock absorption
The main task of the plantar fascia is to reduce the impact load when we walk. If this is damaged, and no active measures are taken, then you can go with plantar fasciitis for a very, very long time. Some even walk in chronic vicious circles where the damage reappears time and time again. Other long-term cases can persist for 1-2 years. That is why it is incredibly important with interventions, including self-training (stretching and strength exercises as shown in the video below) and self-measures - such as these plantar fasciitis compression socks which increases blood circulation towards the injured area (the link opens in a new window).
2. Pain-sensitive fascia and fibromyalgia
Studies have documented increased pain sensitivity in the connective tissue (fascia) in those affected by fibromyalgia (1). There is evidence, as referred to above, that there is an association between dysfunction of intramuscular connective tissue and increased pain in those with fibromyalgia. This may therefore help to explain the increased incidence of:
Medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow)
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
Plantar fascite
It can thus be due to a dysfunctional healing process in those with fibromyalgia - which in turn leads to increased incidence and difficulties in combating both injuries and inflammation in tendons and fascia. Consequently, this can lead to a longer duration of such conditions if one is affected by fibromyalgia.
3. The connection between plantar fasciitis and fibromyalgia
We can look at three main reasons for the suspected increased incidence of plantar fasciitis among those with fibromyalgia.
1. Allodynia
Allodynia is one of them seven known pains in fibromyalgia. This means that touch and mild pain signals, which really shouldn't be particularly painful, are misinterpreted in the brain - and thus feel a lot more painful than they really should be. This may also be one of the reasons for the increased incidence of leg cramps among fibromyalgia patients.
2. Reduced healing in connective tissue
The study we referred to earlier looked at how biochemical markers have indicated impaired repair processes in tendon and connective tissue among those with fibromyalgia. If healing is slower, less stress will also be required before a painful injury reaction occurs in the affected area. Therefore, it is recommended heel dampers in more long-lasting versions of plantar fasciitis. They provide better protection and thus allow the heel to have more "working peace" for injury healing.
Our recommendation: Heel cushions (1 pair, silicone gel)
Increased protection and shock absorption lead to less stress on the heel. This can help avoid overload, and can also give the area a much-needed break so it can focus on healing. They are made of comfortable silicone gel that provides good shock absorption. Press the image or here to read more about them.
3. Increased inflammatory reactions
Previous research has shown that fibromyalgia is linked to stronger inflammatory reactions in the body. Fibromyalgia is a soft tissue rheumatic diagnosis. Plantar fasciitis, ie inflammation of the tendon plate under the foot, thus appears to be directly linked to both reduced healing and inflammatory reactions. Precisely for this reason, it is extra important with increased blood circulation to the feet and legs for those affected by soft tissue rheumatism. Compression garments, such as plantar fasciitis compression socks, may therefore play an important role in combating plantar fasciitis in this patient group.
4. Self-measures against plantar fasciitis
Two of the most important purposes of self-measures and self-help techniques for plantar fasciitis include:
Protection of the heel
Stimulate increased circulation
1. Protection of the heel
The most common recommendation to protect the heel and provide better shock absorption involves the use of heel dampers. These are made of silicone gel which makes it softer for the heel when you walk and stand.
2. Measures for better blood circulation
We have mentioned how increased inflammatory reactions and reduced healing can be part of the connection between plantar fasciitis and fibromyalgia. This combination of negative factors contributes to the formation of more damage tissue in the tendon attachment at the front edge of the heel bone. Unfortunately, it is also the case that the sole of the foot is not an area that has particularly good blood circulation from before. It is this circulation that brings nutrients, such as elastin and collagen, to the area for repair and maintenance.
- Simple self-help techniques that improve circulation
There are primarily two self-measures that contribute to more circulation in the foot and heel:
Roll on foot massage roller
Daily use of plantar fasciitis compression socks
Our recommendation: Therapeutically designed foot massage roller
Rolling on a foot massage roller will stimulate and loosen tense foot muscles. In addition to making them less tense, the self-massage will also contribute to improved circulation in the area - which can be beneficial against plantar fasciitis. Press the image or here to read more about it.
Recommendation: Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks
The main purpose of compression socks is to provide increased stability to the foot, while at the same time stimulating increased fluid drainage and providing better blood circulation. Above you see our recommended pair against plantar fasciitis. Press here to read more about them.
For more severe and long-lasting cases of plantar fasciitis, the use of night rail boot (which stretches the calf and foot muscles when you sleep) be applicable.
5. Treatment of plantar fasciitis
It is important with a comprehensive assessment and treatment of plantar fasciitis. For example, ankle stiffness (reduced mobility in the ankle joint) can contribute to increased strain on the foot mechanics - and thus be a factor that overloads the tendon plate of the foot. In such a case, joint mobilization of the ankle and foot joints will also be important to contribute to the correct load.
– Pressure wave treatment breaks down damaged tissue
We still find the gold standard in the treatment of plantar fasciitis Shockwave Therapy. This is the form of treatment with the best documented effect against plantar fasciitis. Also long-lasting editions. The treatment is often combined with joint mobilization of the hips and back if malfunctions are detected in these as well. Other measures may include muscular work aimed particularly at the calf muscles.
6. Exercises and training against plantar fasciitis
Training program against plantar fasciitis aims to strengthen the sole of the foot and ankle, at the same time as it stretches and makes the tendon plate more flexible. Adapted rehabilitation exercises can be prepared by your physiotherapist, chiropractor or other relevant health specialists.
- Remember to adapt according to your own medical history
In the video below you can see an exercise program with 6 exercises against plantar fasciitis. Try yourself a little - and adapt based on your own medical history and daily form. It is important to keep in mind that it takes time to restructure the damaged tissue under the foot - and that you must prepare to do these exercises at least 3-4 times a week over several months to notice improvement. Boring, but that's the way it is with plantar fasciitis. Feel free to contact us in the comments section below the article or on our Youtube channel if you have questions that you feel we can help you with.
VIDEO: 6 Exercises against plantar fasciitis
In the video below shows chiropractor Alexander Andorff presented six recommended exercises against plantar fasciitis.
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Sources and references
1. Liptan et al. Fascia: A missing link in our understanding of the pathology of fibromyalgia. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2010 Jan; 14 (1): 3-12. doi: 10.1016 / j.jbmt.2009.08.003.
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Article: Fibromyalgia and plantar fasciitis
Written by: Our publicly authorized chiropractors and physiotherapists at Vondtklinikkene
Fact check: Our articles are always based on serious sources, research studies and research journals - such as PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Please contact us if you spot any errors or have comments.
