One common foot condition that individuals may experience is plantar fasciitis. This condition typically results in discomfort located at the bottom of the foot, specifically near the heel. The pain tends to intensify during the morning hours or when a person has been standing for extended periods of time. If you are interested in learning more about this condition, you can find additional information on plantar fasciitis here.
As individuals grow older or engage in specific forms of physical activity, plantar fasciitis may develop in many cases. Additionally, individuals with flat feet or high arches may exert additional strain on their plantar fascia, leading to this condition. For more information on plantar fasciitis, including causes and symptoms, you can visit this helpful resource.
1. Pain on the bottom of the foot
One of the common signs of this condition is experiencing a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or the bottom of the foot. This discomfort often intensifies when you take your first steps after waking up in the morning or when engaging in activities like walking or jogging.
Plantar fasciitis happens when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed. This inflammation can cause a pain and stiffness in the bottom of your foot, which makes it hard to walk or stand.
The best way to treat plantar fasciitis is to avoid activities that can strain your plantar fascia. This includes avoiding running, walking, jogging, or standing for long periods of time.
You should also try wearing shoes that have a low heel, thick soles, and good arch support. You should also apply ice to the area of your foot that is hurting for 15 minutes three or four times a day.
In most cases, you can recover from plantar fasciitis with conservative treatment. This involves stretching, icing the area, and changing your activity or exercise routine.
2. Pain on the inside of the foot
A common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain on the inside of your foot, usually when you stand up. It usually occurs with your first few steps in the morning but can also occur mid-afternoon or as you walk throughout the day.
Many people find that they hobble for a few minutes each morning when getting out of bed, and this usually subsides within 15 minutes. However, this isn’t always the case, and patients may also report pain when they walk throughout the day or after a drive home from work.
Initially, treatment includes resting your feet and taking an ice pack to reduce swelling. Using arch supports in your shoes, replacing worn-out athletic footwear and doing stretching exercises can also relieve heel pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can also help. If these treatments don’t work, steroid injections or surgery may be recommended. These methods often improve the condition and prevent recurrences.
3. Stiffness
If you have plantar fasciitis, the foot becomes stiff. This is because the thick band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes can no longer flex and stretch properly.
The plantar fascia is supposed to absorb the shocks and stresses that your foot experiences when you walk or run. But when it becomes tight, it can cause pain.
In most cases, this condition can be managed at home with simple treatments, like changing your exercise activities, wearing arch supports in your shoes and stretching your calves and plantar fascia.
But if the problem persists after a few months of these home treatments, you can see a podiatrist for more specialized treatment. Some treatments include steroid injections and surgery.
4. Pain when walking
Pain when walking is one of the most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis. It usually worsens first thing in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
It may also get worse after prolonged or vigorous activity. It can be more intense in bare feet or in shoes that don’t support your foot well.
Women are more likely to have this condition than men. This is probably due to their increased stress on the plantar fascia during normal walking and running activities.
People with plantar fasciitis can improve their condition through physical therapy, home treatments and medical treatment. In severe cases, surgery is sometimes needed to relieve heel pain caused by this condition.
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