About Plantar Fasciitis
Do your feet hurt? Have you been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis? Here is an overview of plantar fasciitis, what causes it, the symptoms, the diagnosis, and different treatment options.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The medical definition of plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia. Now unless you are in the medical field and are very familiar with the human anatomy, this definition may not help you out very much.
Learn which muscles to target as well as exercises you can do at home without any special equipment with this Plantar Fasciitis Secrets guide. |
So what exactly is this plantar fascia that's inflamed and causing all tihs pain?
Well, the plantar fascia is the ligament that supports the arch of the foot. It extends from the heel of your foot all the way to your toes. When this ligament becomes inflamed, that is when you start feeling lots of pain in your feet.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
There are several things that can cause plantar fasciitis. Here is a list of possible causes:
- Overuse of your plantar fascia
- Being overweight and thus putting undue pressure on the plantar fascia
- You have excessive pronation (i.e. you roll your feet inwards)
- Having either a high arch or flat feet
- Being on your feet for long periods of time
- Wearing shoes that don't fit properly
- Tight leg muscles
Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
Those with plantar fasciitis will most likely experience the most pain in the first few steps of the day. The more you use your foot, the more painful it becomes.
How Plantar Fasciitis Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will need to check your feet and possibly do an x-ray to rule out any fractures. Your doctor will need to check how you walk as well as your leg muscles. Your activity level and type of work will be taken into account. And of course, where and when you feel pain.
What Is The Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis?
Depending on the severity of your plantar fasciitis, treatment can range from some simple stretches to perform every day, to wearing night splints and special shoes, to surgery for the worst cases.
Surgery is always a last recourse as there is a possibility of nerve damage during the procedure.
How Long Does Plantar Fasciitis Last?
For some with minor plantar fascia, the pain will go away within a few weeks of giving your foot the proper rest it needs to repair the ligament. Some others, maybe because of the type of work they do or other reasons, will need to wear special shoes or orthopedic inserts for a much longer time. And some will have to learn how to deal with the irritation on a daily basis.