Persistent pain may need slightly more extensive treatment, such as the use of orthotics (custom-made shoe inserts), a walking cast to keep your foot immobile or a night splint to stretch the plantar fascia out. Your podiatrist may also suggest physical therapy (including extracorporeal shock wave therapy), padding and strapping (or taping) the foot to ensure things stay in their proper positions, and cortisone injections (although you don't really want to have more than one of these, since repeated injections can weaken the fascia). Dr. Marble has more information about other foot and ankle conditions available free of charge. Visit for more free information about other lower extremity conditions. Mumps, a common viral illness mostly occurring during childhood, is caused by a type of virus that is known as a paramyxovirus that infects the parotid glands, which are the salivary glands that are located at the jaw angles below the ears. Losing weight is the result of a chemical reaction. It is important to learn the science of losing weight. When we learn the science of losing weight, we empower ourselves through knowledge and we can enjoy permanent and healthy weight-loss. While 10 fractions, or treatments, was long considered the standard, more than half the 3,050 patients whose records were reviewed received more than 10 fractions. The reason why so many plantar fasciitis sufferers feel a sharp tug pain on their heel bone on rising is because the plantar fasciitis, over stretched during exercise, relaxes back to its shortened state during inactivity and is forced to stretch once more when the foot is placed on the ground. For those who find these stretches difficult, the same effect is passively achieved by plantar fasciitis night splints which hold the foot in a flexed state overnight preventing it from tightening. Over time, the tendon is gently stretched and the night splint can be dispensed with. As the symptoms are easily identified, the condition can be diagnosed and treated easily. However, we should try to prevent the self-induced causes of this painful situation by wearing proper shoes, exercising (running) under guidance of the trainer and maintaining proper weight. Take care! Although the exact cause of plantar fasciitis is not yet identified, there are several factors that are figured out as the probable causes of plantar fasciitis. Some of those common factors are mentioned below. A calcaneal spur (or heel spur ) is a small osteophyte (bone spur) located on the calcaneus (heel bone). Calcaneal spurs are typically detected by a radiological examination ( X-ray ). As you can see, many factors go into the identification and treatment of flat feet. Usually only a simple prescription devise is needed in the shoes to counteract the foot's tendency to collapse the arch, which helps to prevent many of the foot problems associated with flat feet. Surgery is needed in advanced cases, which is generally very successful. Although many people with flat feet have no problems, it is simply a matter of time before they eventually develop, as our western feet are not well conditioned to function with flat feet overall.