Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by aggravation and excessive stress on your foot. The plantar fascia is the connective tissue that goes from your heel bone to the ball of your foot. When your plantar fascia is inflamed, even taking a step becomes painful. When over-tightening, inflammation, and tearing sets in, you then start suffering from plantar fasciitis. (1)
What are the symptoms?
Usually, symptoms vary with each person, but most people complain of pain and stiffness in the heels, close to the middle of the arch. The pain can get sharp, and you might experience a burning sensation. This usually happens in the morning when you first wake up, or after sitting for a long time. Some other symptoms might include tenderness and swelling at the bottom of your foot.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
- Age can be a determinant as most people that get it to stand between 40 to 70 years. However, it can affect anyone who actively uses their feet for long periods. For instance, plantar fasciitis is a common condition among runners.
- Poor quality shoes might also be the cause
- Tightening of your tendons or calf muscles might also cause plantar fasciitis
- A sudden increase in weight or obesity could cause it given the heavyweight adding stress on the feet
- High-stress activities such as jogging, ballet, or long-distance running could be a cause
- Diseases such as arthritis might also cause plantar fasciitis
What are the treatment options?
After a thorough evaluation of your condition, your podiatrist doctor may recommend wearing a custom made orthotic. He also may start you off with medications and anti-inflammatory drugs to ease the pain and inflammation. If medications don’t work on you, you will get a steroid injection to the painful part of the foot. If that doesn’t work either, your doctor will recommend physical therapy to strengthen your lower muscles.
If it gets chronic, you will go through shock wave therapy where the plantar fascia will be stimulated to heal. The last resort to treat plantar fasciitis is usually surgery.
Do orthotic insoles help?
Plantar orthotic insoles usually mitigate pain and discomfort. They also minimize stress when you stand up or start walking. Additionally, orthotic insoles tend to absorb shocks, given the cupping effect they have on your soft tissues. The right orthotic insoles with good absorption capabilities will reduce pressure and impact on your foot.
You can either get customized plantar orthotic insoles or standard insoles. Quality plantar orthotic insoles will relieve your plantar fasciitis pain immediately. They will contour to your feet and offer you great arch support to your feet and therefore, reduce stress in the plantar fascia. If you need help determining which kind of insole is best for you, take a look at the wide variety offered by Protalus and find your ideal insole.
Conclusion
These are the basics of plantar fasciitis and some of the things you needed to know. If you have been experiencing heel pain, you need to see your orthotic doctor get the right treatment.
Ana Miller is a creative writer. Her topics of interest and expertise range from psychology to all sorts of disciplines such as science and news.