Contents
In this article we will look at:
- What is Plantar Fasciitis?
- How does Plantar Fasciitis Occur?
- Who is Prone to Plantar Fasciitis?
- What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis? How is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?
- What are the Complications of Plantar Fasciitis?
- What is the Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis?
- Home Remedies for Plantar Fasciitis
- Did You Know?
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is the health condition that causes pain in the bottom of the heel. The plantar fascia appears like a thick, web-like ligament that is responsible for connecting the heels to the area of the foot area. It acts as support to the arch of the foot and aids in walking easily.
Plantar Fasciitis happens to be one of the most common complaints regarding the orthopedic health of the individuals. The plantar fascia of the heels is known for experiencing a lot of wear & tear in the daily life. Usually, these ligaments serve to be natural shock-absorbers that are meant for providing support to the foot. However, too much pressure on the heels or feet can lead to the tearing away or damage to the plantar fascia ligaments. Under this condition, the plantar fascia of the heels becomes inflamed. Inflammation leads to stiffness and pain in the heels.
How does Plantar Fasciitis Occur?
When you are experiencing immense pressure on the heels, then you can develop Plantar Fasciitis due to the inflammation and tearing away of the plantar fascia ligaments. If you tend to have structural foot problems like very flat feet or having high arches, then also you might develop Plantar Fasciitis. The presence of tight Achilles tendons –the tendons that attach the calf muscles to the heels might also result in the painful Plantar Fasciitis. Additionally, wearing shoes with extremely soft soles or poor arch support could also be the major cause of developing Plantar Fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis does not happen to be the result of heel spurs. The heel spur is the hook of bone that might form on the heel bone of the foot.
Who is Prone to Plantar Fasciitis?
You might be at a greater risk of developing Plantar Fasciitis if you happen to be obese or overweight. This happens due to the increased pressure on your heels leading to its damage or tear of the plantar fascia ligament. Therefore, women who might be at the later stages of their pregnancy could also experience Plantar Fasciitis in some cases.
If you happen to be a long-distance runner, then also you are the higher risks of developing Plantar Fasciitis. You might be at risk again if you have a hyper-active job life that required you to be on your feet majority of the time. Active women and men who are aged between 40 & 70 are prone to developing painful Plantar Fasciitis. Moreover, Plantar Fasciitis turns out to be more common in women than in men.
What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis? How is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?
One of the major Plantar Fasciitis symptoms is that there is a pain at the bottom of the heel. However, some individuals might also experience pain at the bottom of the mid-foot area. The pain might gradually grow with the passage of time. Mostly, Plantar Fasciitis affects one foot. However, in some cases, it might occur in both feet. For some, the pain is dull while others tend to experience a sharp, shooting pain in the heel’s bottom in case of Plantar Fasciitis. After several hours of continuous activity or walking, the pain might increase due to the increase in the inflammation of the ligaments.
Diagnosis
For diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis, the doctor will have to conduct a proper physical examination of the area. The doctor will examine the strength of the muscles in your foot and the overall health of the nerves by checking the reflexes, sense of touch, muscle tone, balance, and coordination. An MRI or X-ray scan might also be recommended in some cases.
What are the Complications of Plantar Fasciitis?
- Pain in the heels or foot
- Burning sensation in the foot
- Difficulty while walking or doing prolonged activities
- Discomfort while standing continuously for hours
What is the Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis?
The reduction of the inflammation of the plantar fascia ligaments is regarded as one of the basic treatments of Plantar Fasciitis. Some home, as well as medical treatments, are recommended by the doctors to help with Plantar Fasciitis and inflamed plantar fascia ligaments. In some typical cases, the doctors might also suggest making use of braces and supports including night splints that can help in stretching the arch of your foot and the calf area. Special orthotics or arch supports might also help in providing the necessary support to your feet.
Home Remedies for Plantar Fasciitis
In cases when your Plantar Fasciitis condition might not be too serious, the doctors might advise some home treatments. Some of these include applying an ice pack for around 15-20 minutes at least 3-4 times a day to reduce the inflammation. You can also bring relief by changing your exercise or lifestyle habits. Use footwear that provides ample support to your heels.
Did You Know?
- Age is a major factor in Plantar Fasciitis
- Plantar Fasciitis often heals without proper medication
- One in ten might suffer from Plantar Fasciitis
Related Links
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSV2HsFZUqg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqrWMDFukWg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpVwepeOAoM
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