Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent foot condition that falls under the domain of orthopedics. It occurs due to injury or damage to the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a flexible tissue band that spans from the heel all the way through the arch and into the toes.
Proper care and support of the arch of your foot is crucial to maintain its strength and prevent strain. Neglecting its wellbeing may result in painful sensations in the heel or arch area, especially when getting out of bed in the morning or after standing for long durations. It is therefore important to adopt measures that promote the overall health and comfort of your arches.
Causes
The foot’s plantar fascia serves a crucial role in connecting the heel bone to the base of the toes. This band of tissue not only offers essential arch support but also plays a key role in absorbing shock as you walk. Its structural integrity is vital for maintaining overall foot health and function. When this tissue becomes inflamed or strained, it can lead to a condition called plantar fasciitis, which can cause pain and discomfort in the foot. Therefore, it is essential to care for and properly support the plantar fascia to ensure optimal foot functionality and prevent potential foot ailments.
When you stand or run for extended periods of time, the fascia gets stretched and can tear. This is often the source of pain and inflammation.
Doctors typically diagnose plantar fasciitis by inspecting your feet and discussing your activities with you. They may also order X-rays or an MRI to rule out bone fractures or other potential sources of pain.
Most people with plantar fasciitis recover without surgery and with home treatments such as rest, icing, stretching exercises and wearing shoes with good arch support. However, if these treatments don’t work your doctor may suggest steroid injections or custom-made orthotics which distribute pressure more evenly around the heel. They may also instruct you on stretching your foot and calf muscles.
Symptoms
Plantar fasciitis, a foot condition that causes discomfort in the heel or arch area, is typically caused by repetitive microtears to the plantar fascia tissue. This tissue supports and cushions your foot’s arch while taking in impact from weight bearing activities – giving your step an added bounce when walking or running.
This band of tissue attaches to your heel, runs forward along your foot, and then attaches again at the ball of your foot. It’s usually a strong and flexible band that helps ensure proper function of your foot so you can stand, walk or run without experiencing pain.
The most common sign of plantar fasciitis is stabbing pain on the bottom of your foot, particularly upon taking your first few steps in the morning or after resting from exercise. The discomfort may get worse if you stand or walk for extended periods.
Diagnosis
Plantar fasciitis is a common source of foot pain at the bottom. This condition develops when the thick band of tissue connecting your heel to toes becomes inflamed or swollen.
Your doctor will diagnose plantar fasciitis based on your medical history, physical exam and pain symptoms. They may also suggest tests such as X-rays to rule out other issues for the cause of your heel pain.
X-rays may reveal a spur protruding from the heel bone. While this was once thought to be indicative of plantar fasciitis, it is actually not usually the cause.
Other conditions that may cause heel pain include sesamoiditis (inflammation of structures surrounding two small bones beneath the big toe joint) and tarsal tunnel syndrome (inflammation of a nerve passing through an internal space in your ankle). Your doctor can help you understand these symptoms and suggest the most suitable course of treatment for your condition.
Treatment
When the plantar fascia is overexerted, it swells and causes pain in the heel. The discomfort is typically worse after standing or walking for extended periods of time.
Some people experience the discomfort as a stabbing sensation or pressing down on a bruise. In some cases, the sensation may radiate down into one’s toes.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis focuses on relieving pain and managing inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce swelling while relieving discomfort.
Rest and ice therapy can also help alleviate symptoms. Apply ice packs to the affected foot for 15 minutes twice daily for 15 minutes each.
If non-surgical treatments don’t help, your doctor may suggest a cortisone injection or platelet-rich plasma injection to reduce inflammation and encourage tissue healing. If these don’t produce results, surgery may be necessary.
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