Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition of the plantar fascia of our feet. Plantar fascia is a connective tissue that originates at the base of calcaneus that is heel bone. From there it extends along the sole of the feet and ends up at the toes.
Plantar fasciitis occurs in many millions of people around the world mainly because of the life and work style of them. The people who have to bear a lot of weight are generally more susceptible to this painful condition. If a person doesn’t do regular light exercise and doesn’t control their weight, they may be affected by this condition. So it corresponds to the BMI or Body Mass Index of the person. You feel the pain near under the heel. You will feel it the most when you take the first step in the morning or after a prolonged rest. It is difficult for the person who is suffering from this condition to bend his foot towards the sheen. The athletes too suffer from the condition, especially the sprinters.
This condition is easy to diagnose, but there are not many ways to diagnose it. Plantar Fasciitis can be diagnosed through clinical examination. Sometimes the pain at the ball of foot or the metatarsal region is confused with Plantar Fasciitis. That is a different condition needing different treatment. Plantar Fasciitis is not really inflammable condition of the Plantar fascia according to some researchers. It is an inflamed condition of the flexor digitorum muscle. Doctors can instruct MRI or radiographic investigation to ascertain the exact condition or nature of the ailment.
Persons suffering from Plantar fasciitis are generally advised rest. During the rest period the sufferer’s feet will not bear weight and will get enough rest. It helps in recuperation. Physiotherapists should be consulted for the massage therapy. It might bring about relief or even cure. Stretching exercise is another option that defreeze the frozen condition of the tissues in the plantar region. There are especially designed shoes that are available in the name of motion control trainers. The very design of the shoe is such that prevents the weight on the region that is more susceptible to the condition.
Cold therapy has often been found to be of help to a person suffering from Plantar fasciitis. Orthotics and anti-inflammatory medicines too might work to bring relief to the patient. Corticosteroids could be administered in controlled dosage under controlled conditions. Surgery may be advised in the cases where it is diagnosed as a refractory case.
Orthotics or foot support could be a wonderful non-surgical option to counter this condition. There are different types of orthotics like off the shelf, customary orthotics and or sham orthotics available to fight this ailment. These can bring relief for a short duration. In cases of chronic Plantar faciitis, ultrasound therapy could be of some use, but it may not get the permanent cure.
Stretching the Plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon first thing in the morning can get over the problem of taking the first step in the morning. Certain studies have indicated that stretching has brought about permanent relief in many cases. No steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAID like Aspiring are sometimes prescribed but they provide little benefit. Dexamethasone or acetic acid administered through ionophoresis has been found to be of some benefit in some instances. Corticosteroid injections could be very painful. Hence, it should be administered with the application of local anesthesia. There is extracorporeal shockwave therapy available in some clinics, and it depends on the physicians’ discretion and observation. Although in refractory cases surgery is advised, but surgery can injure the nerves.
For more information on Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spur Treatment, view:
- Understanding Heel Bone Spur
- Causes and Prevention Methods of Heel Spur
- An Overview of Heel Spur Symptoms
- Understanding the Cause of Heel Spur Pain