Are you suffering from a pain in your heel or arch area? If so, you may be experiencing plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of this type of pain and it’s important to understand what exactly it is, and how best to treat it.
Read on for some insight into this condition, its causes, and treatments available for sufferers.
Defining Plantar Fasciitis
Our feet take us places every day, but have you ever stopped to consider the intricate workings of this vital body part? The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it can lead to a painful condition called plantar fasciitis.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
This common ailment can be caused by a number of factors, such as overuse of the feet and high-impact activities. While it’s often associated with people who spend a lot of time on their feet, it can affect anyone.
Certain lifestyle factors, such as obesity or wearing poor-fitting shoes that do not provide the necessary support and cushioning, can also be a factor in the onset of Plantar Fasciitis.
In addition, other conditions such as flat feet, high arches, and tight calf muscles can exacerbate the inflammation. Understanding the various causes of plantar fasciitis and how they affect the feet is essential in preventing and treating the condition. With proper care and attention, individuals can manage it and get back to their daily activities pain-free.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
If you’re experiencing pain, tenderness, inflammation, or stiffness in your feet, it could be a sign that you have plantar fasciitis.
If your pain is causing discomfort, it’s advised to visit your podiatrist who will have a variety of methods for diagnosing plantar fasciitis. They’ll start by examining your foot to look for signs of inflammation or swelling. They may also ask you to describe your symptoms, such as when the pain is at its worst or what types of activities make it worse. In some cases, they may refer you for further imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI to get a closer look at the affected area.
With the right diagnosis, you can start exploring treatment options to help you get back on your feet and feeling your best. If you suspect that you might have this condition, don’t ignore the signs. Take action to help ease your foot pain and get back to feeling your best!
Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis
Once you have an accurate diagnosis, you can start to treat your pain. If you have visited a podiatrist for a diagnosis, treatment will depend on the cause and seriousness of your heel pain but could include custom foot orthotics, shockwave therapy, foot mobilisation therapies, dry needling and exercise rehabilitation.
If you are yet to visit a podiatrist, rest and ice are often recommended as a first line of defence, as they can help reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort. Orthotic insoles can also offer support and relief for those suffering from plantar fasciitis. At Foot Health Solutions, we stock a range of podiatrist-approved Orthotic Insoles, including the Footlogics Plantar Fasciitis Insole.
With many treatment options available, sufferers can take comfort in the fact that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Prevention Methods for Plantar Fasciitis
There are ways to prevent this painful condition from occurring. One of the most effective prevention methods is stretching exercises, to strengthen the muscles in your foot and increase flexibility, thereby reducing the likelihood of inflammation or injury. We stock the Fasciitis Fighter, which was designed by a physiotherapist to help strengthen the foot and provide relief for ongoing plantar fasciitis and heel pain symptoms.
Additionally, selecting proper footwear is essential in preventing plantar fasciitis. Shoes with good arch support and cushioning can provide the necessary support and distribute your weight evenly.
Compression Socks can also help with preventing symptoms, while also acting to strengthen the foot structure and prevent overuse injuries. At Foot Health Solutions, we stock OS1st Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks which feature award-winning, patented technology. They’re available in ‘no-show’ or quarter length.
Don’t let plantar fasciitis hold you back from the activities you love. Incorporate these prevention methods into your routine and keep your feet healthy and pain-free.
As always, if you have any serious concerns about your feet we encourage you to visit your podiatrist. If you are based on the Gold Coast, we highly recommend our friends at ProMed Podiatry for their holistic approach to foot health.
