How Plantar Fasciitis Can Cause Secondary Knee Pain

Understanding the Relationship Between Plantar Fasciitis and Knee Pain

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, especially in runners. The inflamed thick tissue on the bottom of the foot connects to various leg muscles and tendons. This anatomical link between the feet and legs can sometimes translate plantar fasciitis pain up through the body and contribute to knee pain as well.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the thick fibrous band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot from the heel bone to the toes. This connective tissue supports the arch of the foot and acts as a shock absorber.

When overused and strained, small microtears and inflammation can occur in the plantar fascia. This manifests as stabbing discomfort concentrated in the inner heel and arch areas. Pain from plantar fasciitis often worsens with long periods of standing or rising after rest.

Common Causes

Plantar fasciitis frequently affects runners and athletes, but anyone can develop this condition. Common causes and risk factors include:

• Excessive running, especially increasing mileage too rapidly
• Tight calf muscles and Achilles tendon
• Very high foot arches
• Flat feet or overpronation
• Weight gain placing extra stress on the feet
• Spending long hours on your feet

Connection to Knee Pain

Although plantar fasciitis directly impacts the foot region, compensating for the heel and arch discomfort can displace pressure to other areas like the knees. The foot has important connections to leg muscles and tendons that help transfer forces up the body.

Limping or altered gait from plantar fasciitis pain can overload the knee joint and surrounding structures. Muscle tightness spreading up through the ankles and calves can also contribute to knee discomfort.

Why Plantar Fasciitis Causes Knee Pain

There are a few key reasons why plantar fasciitis may translate pain and strain into the knees:

• Limping/Gait Changes: Favoring the sore heel involuntarily shifts more pressure onto the knees.
• Hamstring Tightness: Short, tight hamstrings from plantar fasciitis pull excessively on the knees.
• IT Band Friction: The connective band running down the thigh to the shins gets inflamed.
• Foot Pronation: Flat feet and collapsing arches affect angle of knee tracking.

Treating Heel and Knee Discomfort

Getting plantar fasciitis under control is key to alleviating associated knee problems. Typical plantar fasciitis treatments include:

• Rest and activity modification to allow healing
• Ice packs and gentle stretching for pain and inflammation
• Supportive shoe inserts like orthotics
• Night splints keeping the plantar fascia stretched
• Physical therapy focused on calf/foot flexibility
• Medications like NSAIDs to relieve pain and swelling
• Corticosteroid injections in moderate-severe cases

As plantar fasciitis symptoms improve, knee pain should resolve as well. Taping the foot arches, using a knee brace, and adjusting leg-strengthening exercises can also help take pressure off the knees as the heel heals.

Preventing Reinjury

Getting back to normal activity levels too quickly after plantar fasciitis can easily re-strain the tissue and rekindle knee discomfort. Be sure to wear supportive footwear, follow run/workout limits, keep up with foot exercises, and maintain a healthy weight to prevent recurrence.

The Link Between Foot and Knee Health

Plantar fasciitis causes heel and arch pain that can spread up the bodys kinetic chain and overload the knees. Treating the root issue in the foot properly helps alleviate connected knee discomfort as well. Keeping the plantar fascia flexible and strong with foot care prevents reinjury.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.