Plantar fasciitis is a persistent ailment that results in discomfort on the underpart of the foot, close to the heel. This condition is commonly experienced when taking the first steps in the morning or after extended periods of either standing or sitting.
Plantar fasciitis is commonly caused by excessive strain on the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. The repetitive strain can lead to damage over time.
Symptoms
Plantar fasciitis is a frequent foot ailment that leads to discomfort in the heel or arch region. This condition can occur due to various factors such as excessive stretching, overuse, or underlying health issues. If you’d like to learn more about the causes and treatment options for plantar fasciitis, click here.
Heel pain is often the most obvious sign that you have plantar fasciitis. You may feel a sharp, piercing pain under your heel or in the arch when you walk or stand for long periods of time.
You may also feel a burning sensation under your heel, or experience swelling or tenderness in the area. The pain is usually worse when you first get out of bed or after periods of inactivity.
For most people, symptoms of plantar fasciitis improve with simple treatment. This includes icing the area, stretching the plantar fascia and calf muscles, and wearing shoes with good arch support.
Diagnosis
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. It can occur in people of all ages and is most common among women in their 40s and 50s, but it can also affect men as well.
It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tough band of tissue that runs along the sole of your foot. It attaches to the heel bone (calcaneus) and the base of your toes.
When it is irritated, it can cause stabbing or sharp pain. It usually gets worse first thing in the morning or when you stand up after a long time sitting down.
The condition can be triggered by tight calf muscles that make it hard to flex your foot or by tight Achilles tendons, which connect the calf muscle to your heel bone. It can also be a result of increased body weight or biomechanical issues that put extra stress on your feet.
Treatment
Plantar fasciitis can usually be treated with conservative care, including activity modification and physical therapy. These therapies reduce inflammation and improve pain.
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, are another treatment. These medications may be taken for short periods to reduce the pain and swelling associated with plantar fasciitis.
Iontophoresis, which involves using a low-voltage galvanic current to drive topical corticosteroids into the tissue, is also used to reduce inflammation and pain. However, it has limited effectiveness and requires frequent use.
Surgery is a last resort for people who have had plantar fasciitis for a long time and haven’t responded to other treatments. This procedure removes the plantar fascia from the heel bone, which can relieve pain and discomfort.
Other treatment options include physical therapy and shock wave therapy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses ultrasound imaging to target and break up scar tissue in the plantar fascia. This minimally invasive technique can be done in the office and is typically effective in patients who have failed other treatment options.
Prevention
One of the best ways to prevent plantar fasciitis is through a healthy exercise routine. Doing low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling can keep your feet and body strong and avoid overuse injuries that could result in painful plantar fasciitis.
The condition is caused by too much stress on the plantar fascia ligament, resulting in irritation and tiny tears. It occurs most often with runners and other people who spend a lot of time on their feet.
Pain usually starts gradually and primarily affects the bottom of your foot near the heel. It can be sharp or a stabbing sensation.
Most people with plantar fasciitis improve in a few months with conservative treatment, including icing and stretching. A few patients may need surgery to remove the damaged tissue. This is done only after other treatments have failed.
