Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes swelling and irritation of the plantar fascia, the tissue that forms the arch of our feet. It is an inflammatory condition that often causes heel pain and in some people, heel spurs. In this article we discuss the symptoms, causes, treatment and related issues to enable you to deal with plantar fasciitis.
Causes For Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of the plantar fascia can be very painful painful, especially with the first few steps in the morning after getting out of bed. The most common cause of plantar fasciitis is abnormal pronation of the foot, which causes the arches to collapse, and misalignment as a result. Factors that may contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis are obesity, inactivity, excessive periods of walking or standing on hard surfaces, and also badly worn shoes with insufficient arch support.
Plantar Fasciitis: Common Symptoms
The onset of this problem is often associated with foot pain at the bottom of your heel. The pain may be sharp in the morning, but it often declines as the day wears on. A dull ache tends to replace the pain towards the evening, and this often subsides with adequate rest. The typical physical symptoms can include a mild swelling in the affected region, tenderness and redness at the bottom of the heel.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
The treatment for plantar fasciitis can often require a few months, or sometimes, even a few years. On average, treatment time spans approximately 9 months. Common treatment approaches include stretching exercises, medication to reduce inflammation, and arch support insoles.
In most cases, off-the-shelf orthotic arch supports can provide the needed relief for plantar fasciitis symptoms. In severe cases, seeing a podiatrist is recommended to identify the insoles to provide proper arch support. In certain cases, a short cast up to the knee is advised. Some physicians recommend steroid injections, however we need to point out that these shots are extremely painful, and not everyone would opt to go this route. Extreme cases of plantar fasciitis require surgical procedures in order to provide long-term relief.
Dealing with Plantar Fasciitis
The footwear we use is often a contributing factor for the onset of plantar fasciitis. Our shoes need to provide adequate arch support, particularly when the wearer has flat feet. There are also orthotic arch supports available in the market, some of which are standard off-the-shelf, while others are custom-made and are created under a podiatrist’s supervision. It’s possible to prevent common forms of foot pain by keeping the ankle region flexible, in particular the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. Regular foot and ankle exercises are recommended for best results.
