Plantar Fasciitis is a common and often persistent injury afflicting runners, walkers, hikers and nearly anyone who stands for a living. It causes mainly foot arch pain and/or heel pain.
CAUSES OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS:
- Excessive weight load on the foot due to obesity or prolonged standing.
- Mechanical imbalances of the foot
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Sudden increase in body weight (e.g., pregnancy)
- Sudden increase in walking or running
- Tight calf muscles
- Wearing shoes with poor support, including flip-flops
Repetitive movements such as walking or running stretch the plantar fascia. Because it is not very flexible, this can cause small tears in the fascia, which leads to inflammation and pain. Other factors such as high arches, fallen arches, or a change in the walking surface contribute to the stress placed on the plantar fascia and heel.
SYMPTOMS:
People with this condition sometimes describe the feeling as a hot, sharp sensation in the heel. You usually notice the pain first thing in the morning when you stand. After walking for a period of time, the pain usually lessens or even disappears. However, sharp pain in the center of the heel may return after resting for a period of time and then resuming activity.
TREATMENTS:
- Massaging the plantar fascia
- Strengthening the foot
- Stretching the calf muscles
- Icing the fascia
- Wearing shoes with arch support
- Wearing a night splint
To keep the plantar fascia lengthened as you sleep, your doctor may ask you to wear night splints. In the morning, taking your first steps is less painful because the plantar fascia remains stretched throughout the night.
Avoiding activities such as walking or running helps the healing process. Massaging the plantar fascia and the calf muscles along with daily stretches and ice massage treatment may help to reduce the stress placed on the plantar fascia.
Patience and persistence is essential to treating and recovering from plantar fasciitis. Allow your body time to heal!
