Plantar Fasciitis: What You Need To Know
WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
Plantar fasciitis is among the most common causes of foot pain. The plantar fascia is a flat, web-like ligament that connects the heel to the front section of the foot. It helps you walk, by supporting the arch of your foot.
Plantar fasciitis is among the most common orthopedic complaints. Your plantar fascia ligaments encounter lots of wear and tear in your everyday life. Usually, these ligaments work as shock absorbers, assisting the arch of the foot. Excessive pressure on your foot can certainly damage or tear the ligaments. The plantar fascia gets inflamed and can lead to severe heel pain and stiffness. Here are some prevention tips
SYMPTOMS OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS
The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis are pain and stiffness
in the heel and mid-foot region. This typically develops gradually over a
period of time and if not treated, can gradually escalate in severity. Plantar
fasciitis normally affects one particular foot; however, it is possible to
develop it in both feet. Most people describe the pain as dull to begin with that
can become sharp and burning if not treated.
in the heel and mid-foot region. This typically develops gradually over a
period of time and if not treated, can gradually escalate in severity. Plantar
fasciitis normally affects one particular foot; however, it is possible to
develop it in both feet. Most people describe the pain as dull to begin with that
can become sharp and burning if not treated.
The pain is often worse in the morning when you take your very first
steps out of bed, or if you have been sitting or lying down for a long time. Climbing
stairs and running can cause extreme discomfort since the arch and plantar
fascia is forced to stretch.
steps out of bed, or if you have been sitting or lying down for a long time. Climbing
stairs and running can cause extreme discomfort since the arch and plantar
fascia is forced to stretch.
After very long activity, the aching can flare up due to increased
inflammation. Pain is not often felt at the time of the activity but rather
immediately after stopping.
inflammation. Pain is not often felt at the time of the activity but rather
immediately after stopping.
CAUSES OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS
The main cause of heel pain is overstretching of the plantar fascia
ligament under the foot. Here are some contributing factors that can cause
plantar fasciitis:
ligament under the foot. Here are some contributing factors that can cause
plantar fasciitis:
Over-use: running, activities and sports that involve a lot of running,
standing or walking for a long period
standing or walking for a long period
Weight gain: our feet were created to carry a 'normal' weight. Excess weight
causes great pressure on the bones, muscles.
causes great pressure on the bones, muscles.
Age: when we become older ligaments become shorter & tighter and
muscles get weaker
muscles get weaker
Walking barefoot: particularly on hard surfaces such as concrete or tiles
Poor footwear: continually using
shoes without proper support or that are worn down
shoes without proper support or that are worn down
Jobs most likely to have plantar fasciitis:
1. Food Services: Whether you are the waitress taking orders, or cooking
in the back, food services keep their workers on their feet all day.
in the back, food services keep their workers on their feet all day.
2. Teaching: Teachers are some of the hardest working people out
there, From kindergarten all the way up through college professors, this is the
reason teachers are among the most likely to suffer plantar fasciitis.
there, From kindergarten all the way up through college professors, this is the
reason teachers are among the most likely to suffer plantar fasciitis.
3. Mail Carrier: Repetitious activity rules your workplace, as a mail
carrier, shock without proper arch support and shock absorption is probably why
your plantar fasciitis hurts.
carrier, shock without proper arch support and shock absorption is probably why
your plantar fasciitis hurts.
4. Medical: Surgeons can spend hours in surgery without time to prop
up their feet. No matter what field of medicine you work in, your risks for
suffering from plantar fasciitis are among the very highest in the world.
up their feet. No matter what field of medicine you work in, your risks for
suffering from plantar fasciitis are among the very highest in the world.
5. Retail: Mostly during holiday seasons when the lines are long and
the customers are many, those who work in retail are extremely likely to suffer
from plantar fasciitis.
the customers are many, those who work in retail are extremely likely to suffer
from plantar fasciitis.
The most important thing to remember is that just like any injury,
plantar fasciitis can be prevented if you understand causes and take good care
of your feet. At the first sign of pain or discomfort, listen to your body and
take measures immediately to ease stress on your feet to avoid being sidelined.
plantar fasciitis can be prevented if you understand causes and take good care
of your feet. At the first sign of pain or discomfort, listen to your body and
take measures immediately to ease stress on your feet to avoid being sidelined.