Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of a thick bank of tissue that is situated at the bottom of a human foot and connects the heel bone to the toes.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis –
Plantar fasciitis causes pain in the heel. It is usually worse in the morning when a person take first steps or after one has been sitting for a very long time and is walking. It feels better once a person starts activity, but it seems to worsen if a person spends a lot of time walking. Jumping, running, standing can also cause the pain to intensify.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
The fascia supports the muscles and the arch of the foot. When it is over-stretched, there is a wear-and-tear. The muscles get tiny tears in its surface. This brings pain and inflammation.
Who is at a risk of getting affected by plantar fasciitis?
- Females
- Individual aged 40-60
- Obesity
- An individual who has flat or high arched feet
- An individual who wears high-heeled shoes often
- Many hours of standing every day
- Intense workout
- Have an unusual walk or foot positioning
- Wear worn-out, old shoes with thin soles
- Diagnosis
The diagnosis is done be a medical professional through a physical examination. The examination consists of the doctor checking for areas of tenderness in the foot. Where the pain is located help identify the cause.
Tests
There are usually no tests required, but in some cases the doctor might suggest an X-ray or MRI to make certain that the pain is not related to any other problem, for example, fracture.
Treatment
People who have plantar fasciitis recover with simple treatments like resting, icing the area affected and stretching. The treatments include physiotherapy, exercises, pain relievers, steroid injections and surgery.
Medication
Ibuprofen and naproxen sedum can help ease the pain and reduce the inflammation.
Therapy and treatment
Any best foot doctor for plantar fasciitis will suggest stretching and muscle strengthening exercises for extensive treatment. These exercises include-
Physical therapy
A physical therapist will instruct one to do a series of exercises to stretch the plantar fascia to strengthen the lower legs muscles. This will help stabilize the ankle and heels. A physiotherapist will also teach how to apply athletic taping to support the sole of the feet.
Night splints
The therapist or the doctor will recommend that a person suffering from plantar fasciitis to wear a splint. A splint will stretch the calf and the arch of the foot while sleeping. This holds and supports plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a straight position overnight and facilitates stretching.
Orthotics
The doctor might recommend the custom-made arch supports, known as orthotics to help dispense strain in the feet evenly.
Other treatments
When the simple methods aren’t quite working even after several months, the doctor will recommend other procedures.
Injections
Injecting a form of steroid drug into the tender area can offer temporary pain aid.
Shock wave therapy
Sound waves are directed to the area that is affected to initiate healing. It is used for more intense plantar fasciitis that didn’t respond to the conservation treatments.
Is plantar warts similar to plantar fasciitis?
No. Plantar warts are like warts that develop on the body and are caused by the human papillomavirus. They grow on the plantar surface, the bottom of the foot due to the pressure on the foot. The virus can cause a thick growth resembling a round callus with small black dots. It is usually not painful. If one wants Plantar Wart Removal Houston has top-notch help to offer.
