Plantar fasciitis is a very common condition that occurs when the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot and connects your heel to your toes becomes irritated and inflamed. This band is called plantar fascia.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
- Overuse, repetitive stress, and overstretching of the ligament which supports the arch. Activities like prolonged running and standing can cause plantar fasciitis.
- Obesity puts extra weight on the feet
- Footwear that lack arch support
- Calf and Achilles Tendon tightness
- Conditions like arthritis and diabetes
- Aging causes plantar fascia to lose its flexibility so middle-aged individuals are more prone to develop plantar fasciitis
- Exercising especially on hard surfaces without proper stretching and warm-up.
Plantar Fasciitis is more common in people who relate to the following:
- Long-distance runners
- Factory workers or restaurant servers whose job requires them to be on their feet for an extended period of time
- Age. Those who are between 40 to 70 are at a much higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with Achilles Tendon tightness, flat feet, or high arches
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
- Stabbing, sharp pain, or ache on the arch of the foot or inside of the heel.
- Pain worsens after prolonged inactivity so many feel intense pain when taking their first steps after getting out of bed in the morning
- Pain may also get aggravated after prolonged standing, jumping, and running.
- Difficulty or inability to stand or walk on the affected foot.
- Tenderness on on arch of the foot or the heel
- Mild swelling on the heel
Physiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. It may involve a variety of interventions. A physiotherapist may initially focus on pain management through the use of pain modalities such as ice therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation, laser, and Shockwave therapy. They may also provide recommendations for proper footwear or orthotic inserts to support the arch of the foot and reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
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