Plantar
fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, and it can be a very painful condition. It is caused by inflammation in the tissue that connects the base of your toes to your heel bone, called the plantar fascia ligament. This tissue helps support the bones of your arch and absorbs some of the strain you put on your feet, whether from running or other kinds of vigorous exercise. Typically, the main plantar fasciitis symptom is a stabbing pain around the heel of your foot, where
the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. The pain can be intense after long periods of inactivity, such as when getting out of bed in the morning or getting up from a stationary position. The pain often lessens when walking, but may be persistent. If you think you might have plantar fasciitis, you should contact your doctor. The sooner a doctor diagnoses and treats your problem, the earlier you will have pain relief. The plantar
fascia of your foot typically works to absorb shock and support your foot arch. However, repetitive stress and tension in this tissue can cause stretching and tearing, which can lead to pain. For runners, a sudden or drastic increase in mileage, along with the lack of proper arch support or the use of worn out shoes may be to blame. But according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, plantar fasciitis usually doesn’t have one definitive cause. They note, however, some things that can
make you more apt to experience it: Those within the 40-60 year age range are most likely to develop plantar fasciitis. Dancers, runners, and other individuals that partake in sports that place extra stress on this part of the foot are also prone to developing this condition. This also goes for those who spend long periods of time on their feet throughout the day. Occupations that require
you to stand for most of the day can put you more at risk for developing plantar fasciitis. The distribution of your weight on your foot also impacts how much stress is placed on your plantar fascia. Those with flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns can be at risk for developing this condition. Having plantar fasciitis is a painful experience
that may even require surgery, so it’s important to talk with your doctor about your symptoms. He or she can help make sure you don’t have another condition and help you learn how to get the plantar fasciitis pain management plan you need. Treatments to manage plantar fasciitis pain can include: Custom Fit® Orthotics$59.95 – $65.95 5-in-1 solution for immediate, all-day relief of 5 lower body pains Performance Sized to Fit Running Insoles$42.99 For peak performance, injury prevention and pain management Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Sized to Fit Insoles$29.99 Clinically proven to provide immediate all-day plantar fasciitis pain relief and treat the source of your pain. Orthotics For Plantar Fasciitis$16.99 Clinically proven to relieve and prevent the all-day pain from plantar fasciitis Running Insoles$16.99 Prevents pain from three common running injuries and reduces shock Orthotics For Heel Pain$15.99 Immediate, all-day relief from heel pain EXPLORE MORE EXPERT ADVICE FROM DR. SCHOLL’SRelated Symptoms & ConditionsRelated ArticlesFrequently Asked QuestionsWhat does plantar fasciitis feel like? The hallmark of Plantar fasciitis is pain a sharp pain in the heel that occurs with the first few steps taken in the morning. The pain may decrease over the course of the day during more active times but then return when standing up after sitting for an extended period. How to treat plantar fasciitis There are several different methods for treating plantar fasciitis. If you have pain that is severe or prolonged, ask your doctor for an evaluation and recommendations on what to do for plantar fasciitis. The first steps in treating plantar fasciitis usually involve conservative methods including: • Ice – Regular icing can help ease pain and decrease inflammation. Place an ice pack under the foot for up to 20 minutes at a time. Be sure to cover the ice pack with a cloth in order to avoid injuring the skin. This can be done several times a day. How to heal plantar fasciitis In order to heal plantar fasciitis, it’s critical to rest and avoid any movement that causes pain whenever possible. If the plantar fasciitis was caused by a specific activity, it’s important to stop that activity for a period of time in order to give the injury a chance to heal. This is often considered the best way to heal plantar fasciitis quickly, although the full healing process can take a considerable amount of time. In addition to rest, there are several ways to address inflammation and pain during healing, including: • Ice – Cold therapy can be effective for pain and swelling from plantar fasciitis. Apply an ice pack to the bottom of the foot for up to 20 minutes several
times throughout the day. It’s best to cover the ice pack with a cloth to protect the skin. If these methods aren’t effective and the plantar fasciitis persists, a doctor can recommend stronger treatments. How to get rid of plantar fasciitis It’s very difficult to get rid of plantar fasciitis completely. The condition can take months to over a year to fully resolve. The duration depends on the severity of the condition and treatment methods. The best treatment for plantar fasciitis will vary among individuals since what helps plantar fasciitis in one person might not be as effective for someone else. However, doctors typically recommend starting with conservative methods such as rest, ice, over-the-counter pain relievers and stretching exercises. When these more conservative approaches fail to make improvements, a doctor may recommend more aggressive methods such as prescription pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone injections and even surgery in extreme cases. If you have plantar fasciitis, see a healthcare professional for an evaluation and a treatment plan. How long does plantar fasciitis last? Left untreated, Plantar fasciitis can last several months to a year or even longer. However, the pain from plantar fasciitis can improve significantly after only a few weeks with treatment, stretching exercises and good arch support from shoes, insoles and orthotics. How to cure plantar fasciitis in one week There is no way to cure plantar fasciitis in one week, as persons that experience Plantar fasciitis are at risk to develop Plantar fasciitis again. However, a solid treatment plan combined with rest can yield significant improvements in just weeks and with continued precautions, help to keep Plantar fasciitis from reoccurring. If left untreated, it can take months to a year or even longer to cure plantar fasciitis. Where does plantar fasciitis hurt? The pain from plantar fasciitis is usually felt on the bottom of the foot on or near the heel. Does plantar fasciitis go away? Yes, in some cases plantar fasciitis goes away with rest and treatment methods. Some more severe cases of plantar fasciitis require stronger and more aggressive treatments prescribed by a doctor. How do you get plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis typically occurs when there is constant pressure and stretching of the plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. Over time, the plantar fascia can develop microtears at the point of attachment to the heel causing the heel area to become inflamed. There are risk factors that can increase a person’s chances of developing plantar fasciitis. These include: Obesity – Excess weight can put pressure on the feet, making them more susceptible to plantar fasciitis. How to tape foot for plantar fasciitis In order to tape a foot to help plantar fasciitis, start with athletic tape that’s rigid but still has a little bit of stretch. Some people prefer using kinesiology tape. It may be helpful to ask a physical therapist for help since it can be challenging for someone who is not trained. Start with clean feet and follow these steps: 1.) Wrap a strip of tape around the ball of the foot. Be sure to remove any tape before going to bed. Additional Resources
Does good arch support help plantar fasciitis?Certain people are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis than others, including people with flat feet and high arches. The most effective way to relieve plantar fasciitis pain (and prevent recurrence) is to keep your arches from flattening by adding firm arch support to your footwear.
What shoes are best to wear if you have plantar fasciitis?A quick look at the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. Best lightweight shoes for plantar fasciitis: Asics Gel Nimbus.. Best running shoes for plantar fasciitis: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080.. Best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis: Hoka One Bondi 7.. Best affordable walking shoes for plantar fasciitis: Saucony Omni Walker 3.. Is plantar fasciitis caused by poor arch support?Plantar fasciitis
The plantar fascia is designed to absorb shock to your foot and support your arches. While obesity, sudden weight gain, poor arch support, or tight Achilles tendons can cause this painful condition, high arches also set you up for plantar fasciitis.
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