Plantar fasciitis affects one out of every ten people at some point in their lives and is very common in young male athletes and middle-aged obese ladies. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the fibrous tissue (plantar fascia) that links your heel bone to your toes on the sole of your foot.

Inflammation of the plantar fascia — the rubber band-like ligament that runs from your heel to your toes — is excruciatingly painful. It’s one of the most prevalent orthopedic issues. Your plantar fascia ligaments are prone to wear and strain regularly. Too much strain on your foot might cause ligament injury or rupture and becomes irritated, resulting in heel discomfort and stiffness.

This blog delves into plantar fasciitis, its symptoms, causes, and treatment methods.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis affects millions of people each year and is the most prevalent cause of heel discomfort. It’s very frequent among athletes, particularly runners. Pushing off with your feet regularly might cause tissue damage.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Below are some of the most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis:

  • Pain on the bottom of the heel or surrounding it
  • Increased pain following exercise (not during)
  • The arch of the foot hurts.
  • Pain that is worse in the morning or when you stand up after sitting for longer
  • A heel that has swelled
  • Pain that lasts for months
  • Achilles tendon tightness (This is a symptom reported by 80% of people.) Your Achilles tendon links your calf muscles to your heel

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Unfortunately, there are no known causes of plantar fasciitis. However, you are more prone to get it if you have:

  • You either have high arched or flat feet.
  • You use shoes that do not provide adequate support for your feet.
  • You’re overweight.
  • You’re an athlete, especially a runner or a jumper.
  • You are exercising on a hard surface.
  • You stand for prolonged periods.
  • You exercise without stretching your calves.

Other risk factors:

  • Age: Plantar fasciitis is most frequent among adults aged 40 to 60.
  • Occupation: Plantar fasciitis is more common in factory workers, teachers, and others who spend the majority of their working hours walking or standing on hard surfaces.

Diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis

Your doctor will undertake a physical exam to determine the location of the pain and sensitivity in your foot. Your doctor will examine the following to determine their strength and health:

  • reflexes
  • muscle tone
  • sense of touch and sight
  • coordination
  • balance

How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis?

So how to treat plantar fasciitis? There are three (3) categories: non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and home remedies.

Home Remedies

Home therapies including rest, ice, bracing, and anti-inflammatory medicines are frequently used to treat plantar fasciitis. You can also:

  • reduce or change your exercise activities
  • using night splints (a type of brace that holds the foot)
  • using essential oils (such as lavender, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and rose)
  • taking supplements (such as Vitamin C, zinc, glucosamine, bromelain, and fish oil)

Non-Surgical Treatments

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an essential component of plantar fasciitis treatment. It can aid in the stretching of your plantar fascia and Achilles tendons.s

Shock Wave Therapy

Sound waves are used to assault your heel to encourage ligament mending.

Stretching Exercises

Plantar fasciitis can be relieved and even prevented with gentle stretches. Stretching your calves and the plantar fascia itself aids in muscular relaxation and alleviates heel discomfort.

Surgical Treatments

  • Gastrocnemius Recession – The calf muscle is lengthened to promote ankle mobility and flexibility in the foot and to relieve tension on the plantar fascia.
  • Plantar Fasciitis Release – During this procedure, your surgeon will remove a portion of your plantar fascia ligament to relieve some of the stress and, ideally, alleviate the pain.

Ignoring plantar fasciitis can lead to persistent heel pain that interferes with your daily activities. Call Massage Rx Los Angeles now to learn more or schedule the best physical therapy for plantar fasciitis!

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