The plantar fascia is a long, thin ligament present along the bottom of the foot that creates the arch of the foot. It extends from the heel bone, and then splits and fans out to attach itself to the toes.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that results in pain in the bottom of the foot, particularly near the heel. The pain is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes and helps to support the arch of the foot.
The following are common symptoms of plantar fasciitis:
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- Heel pain that is most severe in the morning and improves throughout the day
- Pain that worsens after standing or walking for long periods of time
- Stiffness in the heel
- Swelling in the heel
- Tenderness when the bottom of the foot is pressed
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Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
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- Overuse from running, jumping, or other high-impact activities
- Flat feet or high arches
- Wearing shoes with poor arch support or cushioning
- Tight calf muscles
- Obesity
- Aging
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Treatment for plantar fasciitis typically includes a combination of rest, ice, stretching, and physical therapy. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be prescribed to manage pain, and orthotics or special inserts for shoes can help to provide additional support for the foot. In some cases, corticosteroid injections or shockwave therapy may be recommended. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying problem.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the bottom of the foot, particularly near the heel. The following are common symptoms of plantar fasciitis:
-
-
- Heel pain that is most severe in the morning and improves throughout the day
- Pain that worsens after standing or walking for long periods of time
- Stiffness in the heel
- Swelling in the heel
- Tenderness when the bottom of the foot is pressed
-
If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention. A doctor can diagnose plantar fasciitis and develop an appropriate treatment plan, which may include a combination of rest, ice, stretching, physical therapy, pain relief medication, orthotics, and in severe cases, surgery.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes and helps to support the arch of the foot. The following are common causes of plantar fasciitis:
-
-
- Overuse from running, jumping, or other high-impact activities
- Flat feet or high arches
- Wearing shoes with poor arch support or cushioning
- Tight calf muscles
- Obesity
- Aging
-
Other factors that may increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis include having a job that requires a lot of standing or walking, having a tight Achilles tendon, or having a previous injury to the foot or leg.
If you suspect that you have plantar fasciitis, it’s important to seek medical attention. A doctor can diagnose the condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan to help relieve pain and improve function.
Plantar fasciitis is typically treated through a combination of non-surgical and surgical methods, depending on the severity of the condition. The following are some common treatments for plantar fasciitis:
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- Rest: Avoid activities that worsen the pain, such as running or jumping.
- Ice: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Stretching: Stretch your calf muscles and plantar fascia regularly to help improve flexibility and reduce pain.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy may be recommended to help improve flexibility, strength, and function in the affected foot.
- Pain relief medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription pain medication may be prescribed to manage pain.
- Orthotics: Special inserts for shoes can help to provide additional support for the foot.
- Corticosteroid injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Shockwave therapy: Shockwave therapy may be recommended for individuals who have not responded to other treatments.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying problem.
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It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you have plantar fasciitis, as proper treatment can help ensure a successful recovery and prevent chronic pain and difficulty walking.
Frequently Asked Questions
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