Understanding Plantar Fasciitis, Its Pain and How to Treat It

Heel pain is a common problem with many people and often times it
can be traced to a condition called plantar fasciitis. The thick strip
of tissue called the plantar fascia, which spans across the bottom of
your foot connecting your toes to the bone in your heel, becomes
inflamed and painful. This condition is quite common in runners and
joggers as well as those women who are pregnant. Overweight people can
easily develop this foot condition as well as those who do not wear
shoes with adequate support.Symptoms and CausesPlantar fasciitis
develops gradually over time and typically occurs in just one foot,
although it is not unheard of to experience it concurrently in both
feet. Typically, you will feel a stabbing pain with your first few
steps of the morning, just out of bed. You may also feel the piercing
pain when you rise on your feet from a sitting position or even after
extended periods of standing around. Some people even look for sharp
rocks in their shoe because that is what the sensation in the heel
feels like.The plantar fascia is a natural shock absorber in the body,
supporting the arches in your feet. When you put undue stress on it
through running, wearing bad shoes or weight problems, tiny tears can
occur in the tissue. The repeated stress of tearing and stretching
causes the pain and inflammation in the heel. Armchair doctors like
friends and family may refer to the pain as a heel spur. However, only
an x-ray can show the presence of added bone growth in the heel, which
is what a heel spur really is.Treatment OptionsTreatment needs to
include Extra-Corporeal Shock Wave Therapy as the best treatment for
long-term / chronic plantar fasciitis to help those with long term
problems who have tried other treatments with no improvement.Once
testing is completed to rule out other health problems such as a heel
spur, pinched nerve or stress fracture, treatment can commence.
Because this foot condition is one of the most prevalent complaints
with podiatrists and orthopaedic specialists, it is also one of the
easiest to treat.Over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
medications can help with pain and inflammation. In addition,
corticosteroids may be used in some instances, although it is not a
preferred treatment. Physical therapy is common to help you strengthen
the muscles in your lower legs as well as your Achilles tendon and
plantar fascia. Orthotics such as night splints may be fitted to your
feet and calves which help hold the plantar fascia and Achilles in a
stretched position. Other foot orthotics that can be inserted into
your shoes are yet another option to treat this painful heel
problem.The majority of the people diagnosed with plantar fasciitis
recover in just a few months to a year, mainly due to physical therapy
and orthotics. Only the smallest percentage requires surgery or shock
wave therapy to the heel for complete recovery. If you feel any type
of foot pain, particularly in the heel, don't grin and bear it. You
can find relief quickly as long as you seek the help of a foot
professional.