The thick band of tissue, which is known as a fascia, is at the bottom of your foot that runs from your heel to your toes. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the fascia. The pain was once thought to originate from heel spurs, which are bony growths. However, now it is believed that heel spurs are the result, not the cause, of plantar fasciitis. Today, we at Belmont Anderson & Associates would like to elaborate on plantar fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
Within your heel is where plantar fasciitis causes pain. After you have been sitting for a long time and when you take your first steps is when the pain is typically the worst. In some cases it tends to feel better with activity but worsens again after you spend a long time on your feet.
Plantar Fasciitis Cause
The muscles and arch of your foot are supported by fascia supports. You can get tiny tears in its surface when it is overly stretched and this is what can bring on pain and inflammation. People can experience plantar fasciitis with a higher risk when:
– Wearing worn-out shoes with thin soles
– Spending many hours standing each day
– Frequently wearing high-heeled shoes
– Having tight Achilles tendons, or “heel cords”
– Having flat feet or high arches
– Having an unusual walk or foot position
– Obese
– Female
– Between 40 to 60 years old
Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosis
To see where you are having pain, your podiatrist will ask about your symptoms and check your feet. To make certain something else is not causing your problem, your podiatrist will sometimes want you to have imaging tests. The tests can include an X-ray to rule out bone fractures or arthritis or an MRI to look for fractures.
Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis
Treatments can include any of the following listed below.
1) Ice. Routine icing of the pained area.
2) Brace or a splint during bedtime. An ankle brace provides compression in your foot to reduce swelling and help alleviate pain. Also, while you sleep, you can wear a splint to stretch your calf and foot.
3) Physical therapy. To help you make your ankle and heel more stable, certain exercises can stretch your fascia and Achilles tendon and strengthen your leg muscles.
4) Rest. Refrain from doing activities that worsens the pain, which can include running, jumping, or other types of exercises.
5) Shoes or inserts that offer support. For you to stand or walk, shoes with thick soles and extra cushioning will make it less painful. To help distribute pressure more evenly across your feet, arch supports are ideal.
6) Medication. Medication like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium or other pain-relieving non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can be taken as needed. Be sure to not take these for more than a month and consult a doctor for safe medication.
Plantar Fasciitis Remedy
You will usually see improvement within 10 months once you begin treatments. Your podiatrist might try treatments like shots of cortisone, a type of steroid, to ease inflammation if you are not seeing improvement. You may need surgery in rare instances. If you suspect you have plantar fasciitis in Las Vegas, NV, call Belmont Anderson & Associates for treatment solutions.