Plantar fasciitis–talk about a weird name! There are tons of people in the world who suffer from this irritating condition. Most people that have plantar fasciitis know what it is, and know that they definitely have it. It is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. It attaches the heel bone to the toes and becomes the arch of the foot. This condition is extremely painful. Some doctors insist that the pain of Plantar Fasciitis is comparable to having a rock in your sock, just under the heel. But to those who have these heel spurs, the pain is much worse. On this page, we will be discussing the causes, symptoms, risk factors, and most importantly- treatment for plantar fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis Causes:
Plantar fasciitis happens when the line of tissue on the bottom of the foot is stretched out and overused, sometimes it has resulted from repeated tiny tears in the tissue. Usually, your plantar fascia stretches as your foot hits the floor while walking. If the plantar fascia is stressed by the way you’re walking, it can become weak and tender.
There are many activities or conditions that could induce the inflammation of the plantar fascia. This include:
– jobs that require heavy walking
– standing for a long time on hard surfaces
– running sports
– obesity or sudden weight gain
– poorly cushioned shoes
– aging
– feet injuries
Many complain of the pain and stiffness in the rear of the heel. The heel pain is usually sharp. The bottom of the foot can ache and burn. Pain is usually at its worst in the morning after laying down all night and taking your first few strides. It is also bad when walking up stairs or after tons of activity.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis:
The treatments we recommend almost always improve the pain. Treatment can last from a few months to a couple years before this condition gets better. Most people feel good in about nine months. Although, some people need surgery to relieve the pain.
Usually, a doctor will recommend in the beginning:
– over the counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen to deflate pain and inflammation
– heel stretching
– rest as often as you can for a week
– shoes with a lot of cushions
Other products and treatments for plantar fasciitis: *Products we highly recommend
– putting ice on the painful heel twice a day for ten to fifteen minutes every day
– shoe inserts (* FootSmart Leather Arch Men’s / Women’s 3/4 Length Insoles )
– night splints to stretch the injured fascia and allow it to heal (* FootSmart Passive Night Splint, I make products plantar fasciitis night splint )
– creams (* Penetrex®, Cortizone-10 Max Strength )
The doctor might recommend:
– wearing a boot cast
– custom shoe inserts (orthotics)
– cortisone shots in the heel
Anna Leake is a health blogger that focuses on topics related to nutrition, fitness, and mental health. She was born in New York City but at age 6 moved to the Midwest where she spent her childhood exploring nature with friends and family. Anna graduated from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with degrees in psychology & human development.
