What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes, becomes inflamed or irritated.
symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The primary symptom is heel pain, often described as a sharp or stabbing sensation, especially noticeable during your first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. This pain may ease as you move around but can return after prolonged activity or time spent standing. Other signs include stiffness, swelling, or a sensation of tightness in the arch of the foot. If left untreated, the pain can become chronic, potentially affecting your mobility and quality of life.
Treatment and management strategies
Treatment and management strategies, relief is achievable. Initial treatments typically focus on reducing inflammation and alleviating pain through rest, ice application, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Stretching exercises for the calf and foot muscles, alongside physical therapy, can improve flexibility and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. Wearing supportive footwear with proper arch support or using orthotic inserts can prevent further aggravation. In more persistent cases, treatments such as corticosteroid injections, shockwave therapy, or night splints may be recommended to promote healing. Surgery is rarely necessary and is usually reserved for severe cases that don’t respond to conservative methods.
