Overview
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.
Contributing Factors Of Plantar Fasciitis
There could be a number of reasons for plantar fasciitis, so it is important to have the condition diagnosed properly by a podiatrist, who will be able to determine the underlying condition that is causing the pain in your heel. This is done with various imaging tests and physical examinations, and by asking questions about the patient?s symptoms and medical history. Pain and other symptoms can vary, and may be persistent or intermittent. Women over the age of 40 are at a higher risk, but this condition can happen to anyone, at any age, no matter their fitness level.
Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis
The most common of plantar fasciitis symptoms is pain that is worse after rest, either first thing in the morning or after sitting for long periods. This is because the fascia tightens slightly. As you walk around, it then stretches out slightly and symptoms often improve. However, if you are on your feet too much, the plantar fasciitis symptoms return. Pain is usually felt underneath the heel where the tendon arises from the heel bone, approximately 4cm forwards from the back of the heel. It is usually tender to touch. Plantar fasciitis symptoms are often worse when the foot and toes are pulled up (known as dorsiflexion) as this increases the tension on the tendon. Other activities where the plantar fascia is stretched e.g. standing on your tip toes or walking up stairs also tend to increase the pain.
Treating Plantar Fasciitis
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.
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.
Contributing Factors Of Plantar Fasciitis
There could be a number of reasons for plantar fasciitis, so it is important to have the condition diagnosed properly by a podiatrist, who will be able to determine the underlying condition that is causing the pain in your heel. This is done with various imaging tests and physical examinations, and by asking questions about the patient?s symptoms and medical history. Pain and other symptoms can vary, and may be persistent or intermittent. Women over the age of 40 are at a higher risk, but this condition can happen to anyone, at any age, no matter their fitness level.
Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis
The most common of plantar fasciitis symptoms is pain that is worse after rest, either first thing in the morning or after sitting for long periods. This is because the fascia tightens slightly. As you walk around, it then stretches out slightly and symptoms often improve. However, if you are on your feet too much, the plantar fasciitis symptoms return. Pain is usually felt underneath the heel where the tendon arises from the heel bone, approximately 4cm forwards from the back of the heel. It is usually tender to touch. Plantar fasciitis symptoms are often worse when the foot and toes are pulled up (known as dorsiflexion) as this increases the tension on the tendon. Other activities where the plantar fascia is stretched e.g. standing on your tip toes or walking up stairs also tend to increase the pain.
Treating Plantar Fasciitis
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.