Plantar Fasciitis: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore and When to Seek Help

One of the most frequent reasons for heel discomfort is plantar facilities. It involves inflammation of plantar fasciitis, a strong band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes and runs across the bottom of each foot. Stabbing pain that frequently happens with the first morning steps is a common symptom of plantar fasciitis. The pain usually goes away when you walk, but it may come back after standing for extended periods of time or after standing after sitting. It is unclear what causes plantar fasciitis. It is more prevalent in runners and overweight individuals.  

What is plantar fasciitis?

Inflammation of the foot’s plantar fascia is known as plantar fasciitis. It is the most typical reason for heel discomfort. Strong and fibrous, the plantar fascia resembles a ligament and extends from the heel to the toes and the ball of the foot. It has the same stretch as a thick rubber band. The arch on the bottom of the foot is formed by the plantar fascia, which joins the bones of the foot.

Overuse or excessive starching of the plantar fascia might result in plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia may swell as a result of any damage. Walking and using your foot is uncomfortable due to this inflammation. Although plantar fasciitis usually affects one foot at a time, it can also affect both feet at once.  

Plantar fasciitis symptoms

• Heel pain
• Pain in the arch of your foot
• Stiffness
• Swelling around your heel
• A tight Achilles tendon  

What does plantar fasciitis feel like?

An aching sensation in your heel or around the bottom of your foot is typically the result of plantar fasciitis. Depending on what you are doing and the time of day, the discomfort may vary. You may experience the following kinds of pain:

• Pain when you stand up after sleeping or sitting down  
• A dull, constant ache
• Sharp or stabbing pain when you use your affected foot
• Exercising moving might temporarily relieve the pain
• Increased pain first thing in the morning or when you stand up after sitting or sleeping  

Plantar fasciitis causes

Anything that irritates or damages the plantar fascia can cause plantar fasciitis, for instance:

• Being on your feet all day for work
• Playing sports
• Exercising or working on a hard surface
• Exercising on a hard surface
• Exercising without stretching or warming up
• Wearing shoes that don’t support feet well enough  
• Walking or standing barefoot while you are at home

Diagnosis of plantar fasciitis

The diagnostic procedures for plantar fasciitis involve:

• Ultrasound: It is a non-invasive imaging test also referred to as sonography or ultrasonography. Sonogram is the term for an ultrasound image. High-frequency sound waves are used in ultrasound to produce live images or videos of internal organs or other soft tissues. Without requiring any cuts or incisions, ultrasound allows medical professionals to see details of the soft tissues inside the body.  
• Magnetic resonance imaging: It is referred to as MRI scanning. It is a kind of image testing that uses magnets and strong radio waves to produce images of the internal structures of the patient. Each individual MRI picture is referred to as a slice. The pictures can be stored on a computer or can be printed on a film. This type of scanning causes no harm.

Plantar fasciitis treatments

The treatment for plantar fasciitis includes:

• Rest: Take a break from playing sports or participating in the activity that caused the plantar fasciitis for at least a week
• Icing your foot: Twice a day, ice your foot for ten to fifteen minutes. Roll a frozen water bottle around the bottom of your foot and massage the inflammation, covering it with a tiny cloth to protect your akin
• Wearing supportive shoes: Wear sturdy, well-cushioned shoes. Do not wear sandals, flip-flops or other flat shoes without built-in arch support.  
• Orthotics or shoe inserts: Additional arch support can be added to your shoes by adding inserts. They include either custom orthotics that are tailored to the precise shape of your foot or pre-made inserts.
• Immobilisation: For a few weeks, wearing a walking boot, also known as a walking cast or a pneumatic cam walker, will keep your foot in place and relieve strain on your plantar fascia. The supplier will determine the length of time you must wear a boot.  
• Massaging and stretching: The physical therapist will show the stretches and massage techniques you can perform on your foot and calf muscles.  
• Medications: Medications such as corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medicines that help in treating plantar fasciitis.  
• Platelet-rich plasma: It usually helps to heal and repair injuries.  
• Extracorporeal pulse activation technology: One type of shockwave therapy is EPAT. To improve blood flow to plantar fascia, healthcare professionals will use concentrated acoustic waves (or sound waves).  
• Percutaneous needle tenotomy: Your healthcare professional will insert a needle into your plantar fascia via your skin during a percutaneous tenotomy. The area receives more blood from your body than usual, which will encourage the plantar fascia’s natural healing process.  
• Plantar fasciitis surgery: It is a very rare surgery that relieves the symptoms and treats plantar fasciitis. There are mainly two types of surgery, including:
• Gastrocnemius recession: A surgeon will lengthen the calf muscles to reduce pressure on the plantar fascia.
• Plantar fascial release: A surgeon will make tiny incisions in the plantar facia to relieve some of the extra tension.  

How can plantar fasciitis be prevented?

• Avoid overusing your feet.
• Stech before and after exercise.
• Give your feet time to rest and recover after intense activity or exercise.
• Wear supportive shoes.
• Don’t walk barefoot on hard surfaces.
• Replace your sneakers every six to nine months.

Conclusion

To conclude, plantar fasciitis is brought on by the inflammation or titration of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. Usually, the pain is intense, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. There are many treatment methods and exercises that help manage and treat the condition.