A common foot condition requiring treatment, plantar fasciitis is present when the patient notices a swollen and irritated plantar fascia, which is the substantial section of tissue that runs across the bottom of the feet. Because the plantar fascia serves as an integral connection between the toes and the heel bone, plantar fasciitis can cause a sharp or stabbing pain in one’s heel, typically occurring after an extended period of sitting or first thing in the morning.
Approximately 1 in 10 people are living with plantar fasciitis at any given time, making it a prevalent condition among athletes and other professions that require extended periods of standing. Ignoring plantar fasciitis is not an option. If gone untreated, the condition will worsen, ultimately decreasing your quality of life. But there’s hope. With early treatment including simple exercises, anyone can greatly reduce their risk of developing plantar fasciitis in the future. The experts at Mississauga Health & Wellness Centre can help you find plantar fasciitis relief now.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Let’s talk about plantar fasciitis causes. The plantar fascia tissue handles a lot of work. That thick band of skin running along the bottom of one’s foot works as a shock absorber to support your arch and help you maintain endurance.
However, overuse from repetitive stress can tear the fascia causing the sufferer to experience varying levels of plantar fasciitis symptoms including stiffness, inflammation, and unfortunately pain.
People who have high arches or flat feet seem more likely to be diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. This is because conditions such as these can produce an improper distribution of weight, triggering too much strain for the plantar fascia to handle.
It’s also more commonly found in athletes who do lots of jumping and running. Other issues to blame include ill-fitting footwear, age, and obesity. It’s integral that the sufferer gets in line with health recommendations for lifestyle improvement, for their good.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis
Stabbing pain in the heel — that’s the number one painful symptom reported by people suffering from plantar fasciitis. There seems to be almost no escape from the discomfort. Patients report feeling stabbing pain when resting too long, first waking up, as well as extended periods of standing, running, or even walking.
Typical Symptoms and Differentiation from Other Foot Conditions
The diagnosis isn’t always easy. Even trained professionals can misdiagnose plantar fasciitis, mistaking it for other foot-related conditions including tarsal tunnel syndrome or heel spurs.
However, one is a nerve condition and the latter is just growths on a heel bone, while plantar fasciitis is only related to the thick skin under one’s foot known as the plantar fascia.
Diagnosis: Physical Examination and Imaging Tests
An examination is the easiest and quickest way to diagnose plantar fasciitis. A healthcare expert will assess your symptoms and pain levels before conducting a physical examination.
There may also be additional scans using MRI or X-ray as your healthcare professional works to rule out other conditions. During an exam, you may be asked to do some different tests and movements as part of the evaluation process.
Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
There is nothing fancy about plantar fasciitis treatment, just simple and affordable routines that must be strictly adhered to achieve results.
Overview of Treatment Options: Rest, Ice, and Anti-Inflammatory Medication
To bring down the inflammation, it’s usually recommended to reset a lot and use lots of ice. In more serious cases, you may turn to anti-inflammatory medications.
Talk to your healthcare professional about this option.
Physical Therapy and Stretching Exercises
There are also special stretches to make your muscles stronger and more flexible to prevent future injuries.
Footwear Modifications and Orthotics
Another way is to invest in shoes for plantar fasciitis. We’re talking about orthotics.
These inserts can help restore balance to your foot which reduces the pressure you exert on the plantar fascia.
Steroid Injections and Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy and injections of steroids may also be considered as effective treatments.
There is even massage for plantar fasciitis and tape for plantar fasciitis that you wrap around the foot.
Surgery as a Last Resort
As a last resort for the most severe cases of plantar fasciitis, there is a surgical option that has a long recovery time and could be painful during the healing process. It involves detaching the plantar fascia from one’s heel to relieve tension.
In the end, always consult your health professional for the correct treatment. Everyone is different and each case should be managed uniquely. You may also need to use more than one of these treatments, simultaneously or at different periods, to see your preferred results.
Prevention of Plantar Fasciitis
Of course, what’s even better than the treatment of an existing condition? That’s right, practicing methods to prevent plantar fasciitis in the first place is your best option.
Make sure you do the right amount and type of stretches before taking part in physical activity. It’s also essential to maintain a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle so you can keep a healthy weight that isn’t putting undue stress on your plantar fascia. Also, be sure to invest in good quality footwear, and orthotics if you need them, and of course make sure to give yourself plenty of rest if you’ve been undergoing long periods of walking or standing.
Most importantly, know your limits and play within them. Don’t push your body past an uncomfortable point because that’s when injuries are more likely to occur. Besides preventing plantar fasciitis, picking up any of these new habits would certainly bring prosperity, health, and happiness to anyone’s life.
Conclusion
In summary, you now know that plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of skin on the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia. It happens when you stand too long, sit too long or exert repetitive stress on this key part of your foot. It can also be traced back to poor quality footwear, or other foot conditions including high arches and flat feet.
Don’t underestimate the importance of practising proper foot health and wellness. If you follow some of the treatment and prevention options discussed in this article, you’ll be giving yourself the best shot of beating plantar fasciitis, meanwhile, you’ll be engaging in healthy lifestyle habits which will have exponentially good effects across the rest of your life.
Are you suffering from foot pain? Get diagnosed today at the Mississauga Health and Wellness Centre, the best plantar fasciitis treatment facility in Toronto, Mississauga and the surrounding area. We specialize in plantar fasciitis diagnosis, treatment, and prevention programs for all of our patients. Call today to book your appointment.