Plantar Fasciitis

You probably take thousands of steps during a typical day. With each step, your feet bear the weight of your body. Plantar fasciitis can develop when your feet are unhealthy. The painful condition can cause lifelong damage if not properly treated. 

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot and heel pain. The plantar fascia is a foot ligament that connects your toes and heel bone. The ligament also provides support for your arch. If you strain this ligament, then it will get inflamed, weak, and swollen. 

The condition is more common in people who run or jog on a regular basis. Other common causes are obesity, high arches, flat feet, and inadequate shoe support. 

Why Does it Happen?

When there’s too much pressure on the ligament, it can develop small tears. This damage eventually leads to pain and stiffness in the bottom of the foot and in the heel. This is commonly known as Plantar fasciitis.

The pain is often described has a stabbing-like sensation that occurs with each step. 

In most cases, the pain is most severe after the affected foot has had a prolonged time of rest. People who have experienced the condition say it’s most painful after a night’s sleep. Those first steps in the morning are extremely painful. Bending the affected foot and toes upwards can also cause pain.

Signs and Symptoms

Does walking cause you to feel a stabbing pain in your heel and foot? If so, then you might have a damaged plantar ligament. The pain usually decreases with movement, but returns after an extended period of sitting or standing. And you might experience an increase in pain following physical activity.

The most common signs of this condition include: 

1. Tenderness in the heel and foot that makes it painful to flex the foot and toes

2. Heel and foot pain in the affected foot

3. A stabbing pain that radiates with each step

Treatment and Remedies 

There are several options for treating Plantar Fasciitis. Performing stretches specifically created to treat the condition can help. 

When done correctly, the stretches improve flexibility. Physical therapy and massage treatment can also help. Anti-inflammatory drugs can decrease inflammation to the area and provide pain relief.  Steroids can also reduce inflammation, and promote tissue growth and repair to the ligament. 

You can also try several at-home remedies. Resting your foot and treating the area with ice can help relieve pain. You also might want to try a compression sleeve. The sleeve compresses the area and reduces swelling, improves circulation, and relieves the pain. Perhaps the best option is to get an examination from your doctor. You may also consider visiting a massage therapist or sports medicine specialist. 

It’s important to get the best care possible. Failing to treat the condition can result in long-term damage that decreases your quality of life. Eventually, you might start to experience hip or back pain, knee problems, and additional problems with your foot.

Felicia Hayes

Hi. I’m Felicia. I’ve made a 20+ year career of massage and bodywork. And, I still love it. I also enjoy writing, playing music, photography, cooking, baking and painting. All of which I’m not very good at. I’m also a daily bike commuter.