Physical Health Guide

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 plantar 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.

Plantar Fasciitis: Main Causes
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 pain 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.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis frequently involves pain at the bottom of your heel. This may be acute in the morning, but it often improves gradually over the course of the day. Towards the evening, a dull ache replaces the pain, which may subside with adequate rest. Common symptoms frequently include swelling in the plantar fascia, as well as redness and tenderness at the bottom of the heel.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Plantar Fasciitis treatment can be a process involving several months, or in some cases, even a couple of years. The average timeframe for treatment has been about 9 months. Medication to contain the inflammation, stretching exercises for the heels, and orthotic shoe insoles are among the common treatment approaches.

In simple cases, arch support provided by off-the-shelf orthotic arch supports can provide needed relief. In severe cases, a podiatrist should be consulted to identify appropriate insoles or arch support to relieve plantar fasciitis. 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.

How to Deal With Plantar Fasciitis
The footwear we use is often a contributing factor for the onset of plantar fasciitis pain. 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.