A dull, vexing heel discomfort that is getting worse. A sharp pain in your arch forces you to hobble in order to maintain your stride. Do you have plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot diseases and causes of heel discomfort in adults. But how do you know if you have it?
Here's everything you need to know about plantar fasciitis symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and when you should see a podiatrist.
What is plantar fasciitis exactly?
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which connects your heel to your toes and supports the arch of your foot.
What are the signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis may not be visible on the outside, but it can be felt on the inside. Heel pain is the most common plantar fasciitis symptom. Some people also complain of arch pain in their feet.
How does plantar fasciitis make you feel?
Everyone's plantar fasciitis experience is unique. However, plantar fasciitis pain is frequently described as:
- You may experience dull to sharp stabbing pain in your heel.
- Aching or burning that radiates from your heel to the sole of your foot
- Pain that may worsen throughout the day, particularly if you have been standing or walking a lot.
- If you experience a sharp pain above your heel or on the back of your ankle, you may have an injury or Achilles tendonitis.
Plantar Fasciitis Causes
What is the cause of plantar fasciitis? A strain in the plantar fascia ligament causes plantar fasciitis. This tension causes the ligament to weaken, swell, and inflame, resulting in heel and arch pain. Repetitive strain can also produce microscopic tears in the ligament.
What is causing the ligament strain? Repetitive motion or anything that puts a lot of strain on your foot's arch is a common cause of plantar fasciitis.
Running, jogging, and walking, as well as prolonged periods of standing or being on your feet, can all contribute to plantar fasciitis.
What are the treatment options for plantar fasciitis?
There are effective at-home treatments for plantar fasciitis, as well as simple foot exercises for pain relief. Rest is the first step in treatment.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by repetitive motion and pressure on the foot, so you must reduce the stress on your foot to allow your ligament to heal. As a result, you may need to restrict or modify activities that cause foot pain.
Wearing more supportive footwear, such as DrLuigi medical footwear and orthotics, refraining from walking around barefoot, wearing night splints, hot and cold therapy, and focused activities to improve your plantar fascia are some other treatments.
If you've been using home remedies for a few months and your pain isn't improving or worsening, a podiatrist may recommend a cortisone injection. In more severe cases where conservative therapy has failed, surgery may be an option.
