What is the number one cause of plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is primarily caused by a biomechanical issue where the foot pronates, or rolls inward on its outer edge, during standing. This motion stretches the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, increasing the risk of inflammation. If you’re looking for more information on plantar fasciitis and its causes, you can check out this helpful resource.
Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent biomechanical condition that typically does not require X-rays for diagnosis. A physical examination and a review of your symptoms by your doctor are usually sufficient to diagnose this condition.
Foot problems can affect anyone who puts excessive strain on their feet. Even individuals with occupations that require prolonged standing, like teachers and nurses, are susceptible to developing such issues.
Other factors that increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis include obesity, a history of foot problems or injuries, and having high arches. These conditions can be treated with orthotics — special cushioned inserts that support your feet and reduce the force of gravity on your heels.
Having a tight calf muscle, the Achilles tendon, or both can also increase your risk of developing this painful condition. Tightness in your calf muscles makes it harder for your foot to flex and bring your toes up toward your shin, which places extra stress on the heel and arch of your foot.
Stretching, icing and rest are some of the best treatments for plantar fasciitis, which can help to alleviate pain. Your doctor or physical therapist can show you exercises that can be performed at home to improve the flexibility and strength of your foot and calf muscles.
You should also wear shoes that have a good fit and are supportive, such as cushioned insoles or heel supports, to reduce the stress on your feet while you’re walking. Avoid wearing tight pointy shoes or high-heels, as they can add pressure to your feet and cause the tissue that connects your heel to the front of your foot to become inflamed.
Your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, to relieve inflammation. Icing your foot twice a day can also help.
The best way to prevent plantar fasciitis is to maintain a healthy weight, eat a nutritious diet and do plenty of gentle exercise, such as walking or swimming. This will reduce the strain on your feet and encourage your plantar fascia to heal more quickly.
If you’re experiencing pain, see your doctor as soon as possible so they can properly diagnose and treat your condition. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and review your symptoms, and they might recommend X-rays to rule out other conditions that can cause pain in your feet.
They will also discuss your lifestyle and any activities that exacerbate the pain, such as running or exercising. Then, they will suggest a treatment plan for you.
Self-management is a key component to treatment, and many patients with plantar fasciitis experience significant improvement after incorporating a combination of these at-home measures. If you aren’t seeing any improvement after using these treatments for a few months, your doctor may consider more invasive treatments, such as corticosteroids or surgery.
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