All About Plantar Fasciitis – According to Science

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Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis can be a constant reminder of how important foot health can be. For many people the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis means a lifelong struggle with pain, as there is currently no cure. However, with time and patience, you can manage your plantar fasciitis symptoms and live a normal life.

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tissue band on the bottom of your foot. Your plantar fascia starts at your heel and runs to your toes. It is mainly responsible for the arch of your foot. Your foot takes the initial blow of pressure every time you stand, walk, run, jump, or basically do any moving and the arch of your foot acts as a shock absorber. It helps to dissipate the pressure that is constantly being put on your feet. This is why your plantar fascia is so critical to everything you do and why the condition can be so debilitating.

 

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Every time you are on your feet, your plantar fascia is working to distribute the pressure on your feet. This is why long-distance running is a common culprit that can cause inflammation of this tissue. Obesity and shoes with high heels or wrong arch support for your feet are also common causes for developing plantar fasciitis. While some people are more susceptible than others, chronically wearing bad shoes can almost guarantee the disease.

The pain you feel comes from microscopic tears that form every time there is excessive pressure being put on the plantar fascia. These microscopic tears can cause inflammation which further worsens the symptoms.

Many people with plantar fasciitis have heel pain that is at its worst in the morning but will lessen throughout the day. You may also notice that the bottom of your foot is tender to the touch or it may be a bit swollen and red. You’ll also want to observe the arches of your feet. Are they abnormally high or low? Do they feel tight to the touch? If you are noticing that you fit any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

 

Treatment

Home Treatments:

Before giving you professional treatments, your doctor will probably first opt for home treatments to see if they are enough to alleviate your symptoms and for most people they are. If the home treatments don’t resolve your issues, professional treatments might be necessary.

• Rest for a few days while applying ice to your feet at the beginning and the end of the day to reduce swelling and inflammation;
• If you find ice beneficial, continue to use it as a method of treatment. Wrap your ice in a towel and don’t leave it on for more than 20 minutes a day otherwise you can cause injury. If you find you have decreased sensation in your feet (especially if you are diabetic) skip the ice therapy to avoid injury or complications;
• Stretching helps with the range of motion of your joints while also alleviating your symptoms. Stretches of your plantar fascia and Achilles tendon are most recommended;

Professional Treatments:

• Boot cast designed to help keep your plantar fascia stretched which you’ll be given for about 6 weeks;
• Night splint that stretches out your plantar fascia while you sleep;
• Shoe orthotic (insert) designed to stretch your plantar fascia;
• Steroid shots in your foot to help if you have inflammation;
• Surgery: for plantar fasciitis that does not respond to home treatments or professional treatments, you may need to consider surgery.

Treat your plantar facilities urgently

Take plantar fasciitis seriously! Schedule an appointment with your doctor and get a diagnosis as soon as possible so that you may begin treatment. If you wait to address your plantar fasciitis, it can quickly spread into a body-wide problem. The foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis will change the way you walk, which will force you to start to use your ankles, knees, and hips improperly, which will then also impact your back. Suddenly, a problem that started in your feet has taken over your entire body!

Contribution

This article has been generously contributed by FeetRemedies – click on the link to read their original article.

Further reading: How a Tennis Ball Will Get You Rid of Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain in Minutes (Video Included)