Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It is caused by repeated strain on the plantar fascia, the ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes, supporting the arch of the foot. A strained plantar fascia causes weakness, swelling and inflammation, especially in one or both heels. Causes of plantar fasciitis include rolling the feet inward while walking; having high arches or flat feet; and running, walking or standing for long periods of time. Symptoms include pain upon waking and pain while walking and climbing stairs.
Reasons Of Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis occurs because of irritation to the thick ligamentous connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot. This strong and tight tissue contributes to maintaining the arch of the foot. It is also one of the major transmitters of weight across the foot as you walk or run. Therefore, the stress placed on the this tissue is tremendous. When a patient has plantar fasciitis, the connective tissue that forms the arch of the foot becomes inflamed (tendonitis) and degenerative (tendinosis)--these abnormalities cause plantar fasciitis and can make normal activities quite painful. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis are typically worsened early in the morning after sleep. At that time, the arch tissue is tight and simple movements stretch the contracted tissue. As you begin to loosen the foot, the pain usually subsides, but often returns with prolonged standing or walking.
What Are The Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis The patient usually complains of pain with the first step in the morning, some relief following activity, but the pain returning after extended amounts of time standing or walking. Unfortunately this condition is very common and like many other foot problems are the result of having an excessively pronated foot (the feet become misaligned and combined with poor posture roll inwards to gain ground contact, the arches become flattened).
How is Plantar Fasciitis Treated? Certainly the first line of defence for this condition is good supporting shoes which have a wide toe box and a low heel. Useful treatments for Plantar fasciitis are anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and Ibuprofen gel / tablets. Cold ice-pack compresses can be useful in reducing any swelling with stretching exercises and massage both being beneficial. In conjunction to these treatments, medium to high density orthotics are the most effective means of treating this condition. Useful treatments for Heel bursitis are anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and Ibuprofen gel/tablets. Cold ice-pack compresses can be useful in reducing any swelling.