Most foot problems reported by people are related to heel pain. Mild pain is mostly experienced but in some cases it can get to severe levels. Injuries and pain on feet are mostly caused by excessive pressure or other foot problems. Plantar fasciitis is know to be one of the biggest causes of heel pain. This is a thin ligament that supports the arch of your foot and also connects your heel to the front of your foot. Get to know the causes of this type of pain, symptoms experienced, diagnosis process and treatment methods available.
The biggest cause of plantar fasciitis heel pain is straining or tear of the plantar fascia ligament due to increased pressure. Overweight and obese people are at higher risk of experiencing this type of pain. The pain may also be prevalent in people who add on sudden weight like pregnant women in their last stages of pregnancy. People who are involved in long distance running or daily active jobs that require being on their feet most of the time can also experience this type of heel pain. If you have flat feet, higher than normal feet arches and tight Achilles tendons, the pain may also be experienced.
The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis are pain and stiffness in the bottom of the foot's heel which can be gradual over time. The pain can be experienced in different forms like dull, sharp, burning feeling or normal ache. The pain can worsen after taking your first steps after waking up in the morning or after lying or sitting down for long periods of time. Pain can also be experienced when climbing stairs if you have heel stiffness issues. Inflammation caused by pro-longed activities that strain your feet may also cause pain.
Diagnosis involves a physical exam that is done by a professional doctor to identify any tenderness in the feet. The examination also seeks to identify the exact point where you are having the pain so as to remove doubts of other possible foot problems causing the pain. The doctor also checks your reflexes, muscle tone, balance and coordination to determine the health of your nerves and strength of your muscles. If the cause of the pain cannot be identified through normal checks, imaging scans like x-rays may be recommended.
Various treatment methods can be used to treat this type of pain. You can easily research online for some of the available Plantar fasciitis relief solutions that can be prepared at home. If your ligament has swelled, you can get anti-inflammatory drugs. Exercises can also be done through physical therapy to make sure your lower leg muscles are stronger.
For better management of the pain, you can also opt for special plantar fasciitis orthotics which are arch supports used in shoes. Buying a pair of sleeve socks or plantar fasciitis sandals can help you manage your heel pain.
The biggest cause of plantar fasciitis heel pain is straining or tear of the plantar fascia ligament due to increased pressure. Overweight and obese people are at higher risk of experiencing this type of pain. The pain may also be prevalent in people who add on sudden weight like pregnant women in their last stages of pregnancy. People who are involved in long distance running or daily active jobs that require being on their feet most of the time can also experience this type of heel pain. If you have flat feet, higher than normal feet arches and tight Achilles tendons, the pain may also be experienced.
The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis are pain and stiffness in the bottom of the foot's heel which can be gradual over time. The pain can be experienced in different forms like dull, sharp, burning feeling or normal ache. The pain can worsen after taking your first steps after waking up in the morning or after lying or sitting down for long periods of time. Pain can also be experienced when climbing stairs if you have heel stiffness issues. Inflammation caused by pro-longed activities that strain your feet may also cause pain.
Diagnosis involves a physical exam that is done by a professional doctor to identify any tenderness in the feet. The examination also seeks to identify the exact point where you are having the pain so as to remove doubts of other possible foot problems causing the pain. The doctor also checks your reflexes, muscle tone, balance and coordination to determine the health of your nerves and strength of your muscles. If the cause of the pain cannot be identified through normal checks, imaging scans like x-rays may be recommended.
Various treatment methods can be used to treat this type of pain. You can easily research online for some of the available Plantar fasciitis relief solutions that can be prepared at home. If your ligament has swelled, you can get anti-inflammatory drugs. Exercises can also be done through physical therapy to make sure your lower leg muscles are stronger.
For better management of the pain, you can also opt for special plantar fasciitis orthotics which are arch supports used in shoes. Buying a pair of sleeve socks or plantar fasciitis sandals can help you manage your heel pain.