Overview

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition characterised by inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. It causes sharp, stabbing heel pain, particularly upon waking or after prolonged periods of rest. Overuse, improper footwear, obesity, and structural foot issues can contribute to this condition. Treatment often involves rest, stretching, orthotics, and, in severe cases, physical therapy or corticosteroid injections.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

- Pressure on Plantar Fascia- Jobs requiring standing for extended hours pressurises the fascia. The individual faces micro-tears in the tissue bands. The situations can be identified by intense pain in the bottom of the feet and heel. Sportspeople and people in the sales field often face this foot issue.
- Overuse or High-Impact Activities- Repeated stress from activities such as running, jogging, or dancing can strain the plantar fascia.
- Overweight- Obesity is also one of the significant causes of foot disorders. An overweight individual often faces such issues. The person may be unable to walk or stand for longer hours. In such cases, it is advised to maintain a healthy weight according to the BMI to lower the issue caused by the disorder.
- Shape of Foot- Flat feet or a high arch at the heel are some of the shapes of feet that may face Plantar Fasciitis. Such shapes stress the fascia and lead to extreme pain in the bottom of the feet. Under such situations, doctors may advise to wear comfortable footwear with dense foam or footwear that helps to relax the feet without pressuring the heel or flat foot.
- Inappropriate Footwear- Footwear with uncomfortable soles, rigid insoles without any support, rugged soles outside the shoe, and minimal heels are some of the shoes that can cause pain in the foot's fascia. Such shoes are recommended to avoid any form of issues with the feet. Such footwear pressurises the heel and fascia, causing pain and difficulty walking.
- Tight Calf Muscles- Inflexible calf muscles can increase tension on the plantar fascia.
- Inadequate Warm-Up- Inadequate stretching or warm-up before exercise can strain the plantar fascia.
- Biomechanical Issues- Abnormal gait patterns or poor foot mechanics can stress the plantar. fascia.

[caption id="attachment_22351" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Plantar Fasciitis[/caption]

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

- Heel Pain- Heel pain is one of the prime symptoms of this foot disorder. The affected individual is unable to walk correctly. The disorder is also known as first-step pain, as the pain increases when the patient wakes up in the morning and tries to take the first step. In such cases, the pain worsens if the heel is pressurised by extreme walking or uncomfortable footwear.
- Pain in Arch- When the tendons in the plantar fascia are pressurised, or tears occur in the band of tendons, the situation is reflected as intense pain. The pain increases if not treated at the right time. The affected individual experiences pain in the arch, heel, and surrounding areas. Strain in the ligaments causes them to wear, leading to unbearable pain and difficulty walking. The situation can also be identified by swelling and inflammation in the damaged area.
- Stiffness- It is one of the common symptoms of the foot disorder. The issue can be resolved by walking a little to loosen the stiff feet. The situation can also be worse sometimes and cause swelling or reddening of the feet.
- Pain Upon Waking- Pain is most severe upon waking in the morning or after periods of rest, as the plantar fascia tightens overnight.
- Pain After Activity- Pain may worsen after prolonged standing, walking, or activities that stress the feet.

Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

- Medications- Pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and other similar medicines are the first-line plantar fasciitis treatment option that helps to lower the pain in the bottom of the feet. Various other pain relievers are also prescribed by the doctor that helps to lower the pain and allow one to walk freely and with ease.
- Physical Therapies- Different exercises a professional therapist performs help relieve pain and evenly distribute the weight on the foot to avoid pain. The therapists help to advise exercises that let one stretch the Achilles tendon. The exercises and stretches help to lower the pain and allow the patient to heal gradually.
- Night Splints- Such splints help keep the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon stretched over the night to lower the pain. It makes one feel better the following day and allows one to walk comfortably after using it as the doctor prescribes.
- Walking Supports- Supportive devices such as canes or crutches are also recommended while walking. These products help one lower the pressure on one's feet while walking to avoid pain or discomfort.
- Ice- Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times daily can help reduce inflammation.
- Surgery is the last resort when other non-surgical options fail to lower the pain. The procedure can be an open one or a minimally invasive one. It involves detaching the plantar fascia from the heel bone to lower the excruciating pain.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Ortho doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Plantar Fasciitis is a problem in the foot when the tendon or band of muscles feels immense pain due to different disorders in the foot. The issue can be resolved with the help of medications or surgery if required. It can also be healed with the help of simple massages and therapies in cases with minimal damage.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/foot-pain-problems-management-and-treatment/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354846
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/plantar-fasciitis
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14709-plantar-fasciitis