Do you feel pain in your heels while walking, jogging or running for a long period of time over a large distance? If the pain goes away after you have rested, it is of no cause of concern. If the pain persists, it is likely that you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a disease characterized by pain in the heels and it is the most common cause of heel pain. It is characterized by the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your toes to your heel bone. It results in a stabbing pain that usually occurs when you take your first steps in the morning. The pain tends to decrease as you move more, but it might return if you are standing for a long period of time, or if you rise after sitting for extended periods of time. If you are experiencing this pain, consult a doctor immediately and seek plantar fasciitis treatment. Here are a few causes, symptoms and common methods of treatment for plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
As mentioned before, plantar fasciitis leads to the onset of stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot, and near the heel. The pain is normally the worst when you first wake up in the morning and take your first steps. It may also be triggered if you have been sitting in one place for a long period of time and suddenly stand up, or if have been standing in one place for a long period of time. While such pain generally subsides, if it continues to persist and comes back after periods of time, be sure to conclude that you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. The onset of this pain may also ensure when you are exercising or after you have completed exercising.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia acts like a shock-absorbing bowstring and supports the arch of your foot. If the tension and stress on the plantar fascia exceed the limit it can handle, small tears may appear in the fascia. Repetitive tearing and stretching can cause the plantar fascia to become inflamed and irritated. This may lead to the inflammation of the tissue and a stabbing sensation in the bottom of your foot and near the heel. While the exact cause of the disease is not clear, being overweight, wearing uncomfortable shoes and being a sportsman are the likely risk factors for the disease. If the swelling and pain persist, visit a doctor immediately to seek immediate treatment for plantar fasciitis. The earlier you act, the better it is for you.
Treatment options for Plantar Fasciitis
- Medications
There are several medications available in the market for plantar fasciitis treatment. They help to reduce the inflammation of the plantar fascia and help ease the pain associated with the disease. Consult a doctor and get yourself prescribed medication today. - Exercise
Exercise could go a long way in helping you ease your pain. Working with a physical therapist is one of the best ways out. Your therapist will give you a series of exercises to perform which will help to stretch the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia. These exercises will also help to strengthen your lower leg muscles which will help to stabilize your heel and ankle. You can also apply athletic taping to the bottom of your foot to provide for additional support. - Specialized Devices
Using specialized devices like night splints and orthotics could help you as well. Night splints help stretch your calf and the arch of your foot while you are sleeping. Orthotics help distribute the pressure to your feet more evenly. You choose to buy off the shelf orthotics or custom made ones, whatever suits you best. - Surgery
If none of the above-mentioned methods work for you, then your doctor may advise surgery. This is usually the last plantar fasciitis treatment option. Your doctor will remove the affected plantar fascia. This will result in the weakening of the arch in your foot.
With the help of the above mentioned plantar fasciitis treatment methods could go a long way in providing relief from the condition. The disease is more common in runners, people who are overweight, and people who wear uncomfortable shoes that may not provide for adequate support to the heels. If you are suffering from the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, visit a doctor immediately and seek plantar fasciitis treatment. Do not ignore the disease as it could lead to chronic heel pain which could prove to be a hindrance to your normal routine. Try to change the way you walk if it leads to the application of too much pressure on the heels. Whatever be the case, seek immediate plantar fasciitis treatment and you should be good to go.
