PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes become inflamed and cause pain in the heel or arch of the foot. It is a common injury among athletes and people who stand or walk for an extended period.

Plantar fasciitis happens when the stress on the plantar fascia exceeds its capacity, which causes small tears in the tissue and inflammation, leading to pain. The pain is usually felt in the morning when people take their first steps, and it can worsen throughout the day after prolonged standing or sitting.

Common causes of plantar fasciitis include poor foot mechanics, overpronation, obesity, high arches or flat feet, and incorrect footwear. Age, activities that put continuous stress on the feet, and a tight Achilles tendon or calf muscles are also known to increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis typically involves rest, ice, exercises, stretching, and pain medication. Supportive footwear, such as orthotics and heel cups may be used to provide relief and reduce pressure on the plantar fascia. In some cases, physical therapy or corticosteroid injections can help alleviate the symptoms.

SYMPTOMS OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS

The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel or arch of the foot. The pain can be dull, sharp, or burning and is typically felt in the morning when getting out of bed, after sitting for a long time, or after exercising.

Other symptoms of plantar fasciitis may include:

- Stiffness or tenderness in the foot

- Swelling or redness near the heel

- Pain that gets worse when climbing stairs or standing on your toes

- Aching or sharp pain in the bottom of the foot, especially after long periods of standing or walking

The pain from plantar fasciitis tends to be most severe during the first few steps after getting out of bed or sitting for a long time. As the foot warms up and stretches out, the pain may lessen, but it can often return after prolonged activity.

It's essential to seek treatment for plantar fasciitis if you experience any of these symptoms as they can get worse if left untreated. With proper care and treatment, most people with plantar fasciitis can recover and return to their normal activities.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO PAIN

The exact cause of plantar fasciitis is not always clear, but here are some factors that can contribute to its development:

1. Overuse or activity: Overuse or excessive activity, such as running, jumping, or standing for long periods, can put stress on the plantar fascia, causing it to become inflamed or damaged.

2. Poor foot mechanics: Poor foot mechanics, such as flat feet, high arches, or abnormal gait patterns, can put excess pressure on the plantar fascia, causing it to become inflamed.

3. Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on the plantar fascia, increasing the risk of inflammation and damage.

4. Tight calf muscles: Tight calf muscles can put additional stress on the plantar fascia, making it more prone to inflammation and damage.

5. Age: Plantar fasciitis is more common in middle-aged and older adults, as the plantar fascia becomes less flexible over time.

6. Footwear: Wearing shoes with poor arch support, flat soles, or inadequate cushioning can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.

7. Certain occupations: Jobs that require prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces, such as manufacturing or healthcare professions, can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.

It's important to address these risk factors early on to reduce the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis. Seeking prompt medical attention if you experience pain or other symptoms is crucial in managing the condition.

HOW TO CURE PLANTAR FASCIITIS IN ONE WEEK?

Treatment for plantar fasciitis typically involves a combination of self-care measures and medical interventions, which may include the following:

1. Rest and ice:

Resting the foot, taking a break from activities that cause pain, and applying ice to the area can help reduce inflammation and pain.

2. Stretching exercises:

Specific stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon can help alleviate pain from plantar fasciitis and improve flexibility.

3. Footwear modifications:

Shoes with good arch support and shock absorption can help reduce stress on the plantar fascia. Custom orthotics or shoe inserts can also be helpful in providing support and cushioning to the foot.

4. Physical therapy:

A physical therapist can develop a personalized exercise program to strengthen the affected foot, increase flexibility, and improve gait.

5. Medications:

Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help relieve pain and inflammation. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications or corticosteroid injections to help reduce pain and inflammation.

6. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT):

ESWT is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-energy shock waves to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation.

7. Surgery:

Surgery is rarely necessary to treat plantar fasciitis, and it is usually considered only after all other treatment options have been exhausted.

It's essential to seek prompt medical attention for plantar fasciitis, as early treatment can help prevent the condition from getting worse and improve outcomes.

WHAT NOT TO DO WITH PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

Here are some things you should NOT do when suffering from plantar fasciitis:

1. Ignore the pain:

Ignoring the pain may cause the condition to worsen and lead to other complications, making it harder to recover.

2. Overexert the affected foot:

Activities that put more stress on the plantar fascia, such as running or prolonged standing, can cause the condition to worsen. It's important to rest and avoid overexerting the affected foot to allow it to heal.

3. Wear unsupportive shoes:

Shoes that lack support, such as flip flops or high heels, can aggravate plantar fasciitis. It's important to wear supportive shoes with good arch support and cushioning that help distribute pressure evenly across the entire foot.

4. Ignore improper foot mechanics:

Poor foot mechanics, such as overpronation or underpronation, can cause or aggravate plantar fasciitis. It's important to seek professional help to correct any problems with your foot mechanics.

5. Neglect stretching and exercises:

Stretching and strengthening exercises can help alleviate pain and prevent plantar fasciitis from returning. Failing to perform these exercises can delay recovery or lead to re-injury.

These preventive measures help in hastening the recovery process, strengthen the muscles that support the foot, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of further damage.

HOME REMEDIES FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Here are some home remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis:

1. Rest: Resting the affected foot periodically throughout the day can help reduce pain and inflammation.

2. Ice therapy: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce pain and inflammation. Use a cold pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel.

3. Stretching exercises: Stretching exercises for the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon can help alleviate pain and improve flexibility. Examples of stretching exercises are calf stretches, towel stretches, and Achilles tendon stretches.

4. Footwear modifications: Wearing shoes with good arch support, cushioning, and shock absorption can help reduce pressure on the plantar fascia. You can also try adding orthotic shoe inserts or heel cups to your shoes.

5. Massage therapy: Massaging the foot and calf muscles can help relieve tension and improve circulation, reducing pain and inflammation.

6. Yoga: Practicing yoga can help improve flexibility and reduce tension in the feet and lower legs, reducing the risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

7. Losing weight: Losing weight can reduce the pressure on the plantar fascia, reducing the risk of inflammation and damage.

It's important to note that while home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, they may not completely cure the condition. Seeking medical attention is important if the symptoms persist or worsen.

BEST SHOES FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS

1. Motion control shoes - These shoes are designed to provide extra support for those who overpronate (where the feet roll inward excessively). They help correct foot alignment and reduce stress on the plantar fascia.

2. Stability shoes - Similar to motion control shoes, stability shoes offer some degree of stability and support. They are a good option for those with mild to moderate overpronation.

3. Cushioned shoes - These shoes provide extra cushioning and shock absorption, which can be beneficial for those with plantar fasciitis. They're also good for those with high arches.

4. Orthotic shoes - Shoes with built-in orthotics can help provide additional arch support and cushioning, which can help alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

It's always recommended to consult with a podiatrist or healthcare professional to determine which shoe would be best suited for individual needs.

Final Word

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects many people, especially those who engage in physical activity or have certain risk factors. While it can be painful and disruptive to daily life, there are many treatments available to help alleviate the symptoms and promote healing.

It's important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have plantar fasciitis or experience persistent foot pain, as other conditions can have similar symptoms. Your doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan that best suits your needs.

In addition to medical treatments, there are many home remedies, such as rest, ice therapy, stretching exercises, and footwear modifications, that can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Incorporating these self-care practices into your daily routine can help manage symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.

Remember to always take care of your feet and lower legs to prevent the development of plantar fasciitis and keep them healthy. If you experience any foot or ankle pain, seek medical attention promptly.