Plantar fasciitis can be defined as the pain or irritation in the bottom of the heel. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects heel to the front foot. It maintains the support of the foot and enables the individuals to walk effortlessly.
Undoubtedly, it is the most common orthopedic issue occurring in people – but the good news is that there are simple ways that this pain can be managed, and insoles for plantar fasciitis can help. Our plantar ligaments go with the lot of wear and tear day to day. When we exert too much force on the feet it can damage the ligaments due to which planter fascia become active and results in pain and irritation.
What are the Causes of Plantar Fasciitis?
- Plantar fasciitis is mostly found in people having excessive weight or suffering from obese problems due to the pressure exerted on ligaments.
- Long distance runners are prone to this plantar fasciitis. This is because they remain in contact with their feet for a long period of time.
- In case you are been affected by foot issues such as high arches or flat feet problems then you can develop the plantar fasciitis. The tight Archilles tendons that attached your calf muscles to the heels can also lead to plantar fascia pain.
What are the Symptoms of the Plantar Fasciitis?
The major or most common symptom of patients having plantar fasciitis is pain at the bottom of the heel. Other than this, many people also experience pain at the mid foot area. This pain increases by time. Generally, the problem affects only one foot but it can affect both the feet. Some people are having sharp pain. On the other hand, some are having dull pain. Also it causes burning or irritation on the bottom of the foot. This pain becomes severe in the morning time when you just woke up out of your bed and walk few steps. People are not able to climb stairs easily.
After doing some heavy movement, the pain can gradually rise due to high inflammation. Pain will not felt while performing the activity but it will begin after you stop the exercise.
What are the Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis?
The people experiencing the plantar fasciitis treat their problems with the conservative treatments consisting of resting your foot; apply ice on the affected area, stretching exercises etc. In addition to this certain pain killers such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can also relive the pain and inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis.
Therapies Treatments
As discussed above that by doing stretching and strengthening exercises regularly can make a huge difference to the disease. The use of specialized machines and devices also provide relief to the issue as described below:
Physical Therapy: if you consult to a physical therapist, then they will recommend you to do a series of exercises to stretch your plantar fascia and tendons so that your muscles can gain the strength. A therapist can also suggest you to apply athletic taping to stabilize your foot and reduces the pain.
Night Splints: To deal with the severe pain in the planter area you should wear a splint when you sleep that stretches your calf and arch of the foot. This will tighten the plantar fascia and strengthens your muscles and facilitates stretching.
Orthotics: the doctor will prescribe you orthotics supports to maintain the pressure on your feet more precisely.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Along with taking medications or therapies, self care is above all. Try these home remedies to cure the pain and treat the plantar fasciitis.
Weight Management: If you are overweight then you should reduce your weight so that minimum stress will be applied in your plantar area.
Choose your Shoes wisely: It is highly recommended to choose the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis. So buy the shoes having low or moderate heels with good arch support. Don’t walk without shoes mainly on hard surfaces.
Change your Sport: Instead of walking or running, try for slow exercises or sports such as swimming or bicycling.
Icing on affected Area: Apply the ice pack on the planter fascia area for 15 to 20 minutes at least three or four times in a day. Regularly massaging the ice can reduce the pain or inflammation.
Stretching Exercises: Do some simple exercises that tighten your calf and strengthen your muscles at home.
So by treating your injury with these remedial measures, you can improve your condition and also your affected area will starts gaining its original value.
