Plantar Fasciitis
What is Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel. It happens when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that stretches from the heel to the front of the foot and supports the arches, gets overused or stressed. This can occur from repetitive activities, like sports or jobs that involve a lot of similar movements, leading to pain and irritation in the heel.
What are the Symptoms?
Pain on the bottom of the heel
Sharp pain when you first get out of bed or after sitting for a while
Tenderness when pressing around the heel
Swelling below the heel and around the ankle
Persistent pain may lead to a burning or tingling sensation that spreads from the heel
Risk Factors & Signs
Being overweight or recently gaining a lot of weight
Having a job that involves standing for long periods
Difference in leg length
Long-distance running
Sudden increase in physical activity
Sports with a lot of side-to-side movement, like tennis or basketball
Having a foot type that makes you more prone to this condition
What Can Happen if Plantar Fasciitis Goes Untreated?
Plantar fasciitis begins with inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot due to tiny tears. If it’s ignored for more than 6-8 weeks, it can turn into a long-term problem called plantar fasciopathy.
At this point, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs might not help, and the pain can return unless different treatments are used. To fix the issue, you’ll need a specific approach, as the tissue can keep getting worse and even tear further if not treated properly.
At this stage, depending on the patient’s age, activity level, and goals, the condition may need special support devices or even surgery.
Why Do People End Up with Plantar Fasciopathy?
They didn’t realize they had plantar fasciitis
They thought the pain would go away on its own
They didn’t treat the plantar fasciitis soon enough
They tried methods that didn’t work
Different Treatment Options
For mild cases of plantar fasciitis, you can try these home remedies:
Rest:
Avoid activities that put stress on your heel and arch.
Ice:
Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Compression:
Use an elastic bandage to wrap your foot, which can help decrease swelling.
Elevation:
Keep your foot elevated to further reduce swelling.
If the pain persists or worsens, it’s important to see a healthcare professional like a podiatrist. They can diagnose the problem and suggest the best treatment for your condition.
What are the Non-Surgical Treatment options for plantar fasciitis?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy:
Uses sound waves to stimulate healing.
Super Inductive Therapy:
Employs electromagnetic fields to reduce pain and promote recovery.
Arch Taping:
Applying tape to support the arch and reduce strain.
Physical Therapy:
Exercises and stretches to strengthen and support the foot.
Custom Orthotics:
Special insoles made to fit your foot perfectly and correct issues.
Another common treatment is injecting steroids into the affected area. While steroids can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain, they don’t fix the root cause of the problem. This means pain might come back, and there’s a risk of additional issues like ligament damage, which could lead to more complicated problems later.
In severe cases of plantar fasciitis, surgery might be needed. However, surgery comes with risks and can impact the strength and function of your foot arch long-term. That’s why it’s crucial to diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis early using the right methods. Early treatment can help prevent the condition from getting worse and reduce the risk of complications.
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