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Plantar fasciitis, also known as plantar heel pain, is one of the most common foot conditions that affect people of all ages. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, the ligament that connects your heel to your toes, becomes inflamed. When this happens, it can cause heel pain and stiffness.
Besides causing discomfort, plantar fasciitis may also disrupt your daily routine, especially if it involves standing or walking for long periods. So, if you think you have this foot problem, consult a local podiatrist immediately. Read on to learn more.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
This foot condition usually develops when the plantar fascia ligament is overused, overstretched, or has acquired small tears that result in pain and inflammation. So, activities that put constant stress on your heel and foot, like long hours of standing, walking, or running, may cause plantar fasciitis.
Besides that, there are other factors that put you at a greater risk of developing this foot problem. For instance, individuals between the age of 40-60 are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. Other factors include:
- Irregular foot structures – This includes high arches and flat feet. Because of the irregularities in your foot shape, the weight distribution is more focused on your heels and toes, causing additional stress on your plantar fascia.
- Being overweight – Excess weight can put more pressure on your feet, including the plantar fascia. So, if you are overweight or have obesity, you are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.
- Using improper footwear – If you are a long-distance runner or athlete, it’s crucial to wear footwear that fits properly and offers proper arch support. If you don’t, you may become more likely to get plantar heel pain.
- Occupations where you are always on your feet – Prolonged standing and walking, especially on hard surfaces, put a lot of strain on your feet. So, having a job that keeps you on your feet may increase your risk of plantar fasciitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
One of the most common signs of plantar fasciitis is a dull or stabbing pain at the bottom of your foot or heel. The pain is typically worse when getting out of bed in the morning or standing up after sitting down for an extended period. While this discomfort may gradually ease throughout the day, it can worsen again after prolonged walking, standing, or running.
Besides that, you may feel increased pain after exercising. Some people may also have a swollen heel if they have plantar fasciitis.
How Is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?
Treating plantar fasciitis varies depending on the severity of the condition. Treatments may include icing the area, resting and limiting physical activity, physical therapy, and pain relief or anti-inflammatory medications. Besides that, podiatrists may also suggest night splints for your calf muscles or supportive shoes and inserts.
For more severe cases of plantar fasciitis where the pain lasts longer than 6 to 12 months, surgery may be recommended. There are two types of surgeries that can be performed, namely the gastrocnemius recession and the plantar fascia release. The gastrocnemius recession surgery involves lengthening the calf muscles, and the plantar fascia release involves cutting a part of the plantar fascia to relieve inflammation.
How Can You Prevent Plantar Fasciitis?
If you are at risk of plantar heel pain or simply want to prevent this foot problem from occurring, there are a few habits or lifestyle changes that may help. Here are some of them:
- Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight, if necessary, to ease the strain on your heels.
- If you are a runner or an athlete, ensure you’re using supportive footwear with good arch support and replace them regularly.
- Before exercising, make sure to do proper warm-ups. When doing so, always include your calves, Achilles heel, and plantar fascia in your stretches.
- Incorporate low-impact exercises in your routine to avoid overuse and overstretching of your plantar fascia.
Now that you know more about plantar fasciitis, you can better determine whether you are at risk of this foot problem or already experiencing its symptoms. This foot condition, if left untreated, may lead to complications like chronic heel pain or knee, hip, and ankle problems. So, if you notice any signs or symptoms of plantar heel pain, talk to your local podiatrist right away.
