Planters fasciitis is a common ailment here in the UK and today we are going to have a look at the condition. Firstly, we are going to find out what the condition actually is. From there, we are going to take a look at the symptoms you might have, the causes and finally the treatments available for planters fasciitis.
The condition is the most common cause of heel pain here in the UK. It affects a band of tissue that runs under your foot that connects your heel bone to the toes known as the plantar fascia. The tissue also supports the arch of your foot. If this tissue becomes weak, inflamed, swollen or you strain it, your heel or the bottom of your foot, will hurt when you walk or stand. The condition can affect one foot or both and is quite common in middle-aged people. However, it can affect younger people who are on their feet a lot too. Soldiers and athletes are a prime example of the people who can suffer from planters fasciitis.
The symptoms of planters fasciitis
Most people who have planters fasciitis will have pain as they take their first steps in the morning or after sitting for a long time. As you begin moving around, you may notice that this pain decreases. As the day continues, you may find that the pain gets worse, especially if you have been standing for a long time.
If you notice a pain in your foot at night, this might be an indication of another condition, like arthritis for example. Many different conditions can affect the foot and so if you think there is something wrong, always get your symptoms checked out by a local podiatrist.
The causes of planters fasciitis
Straining the ligament that offers support to the arch of your foot is what causes planters fasciitis. A repeated strain to this ligament can cause tiny tears to form; this can lead to swelling and pain. This is quite likely to happen if:
- You are overweight
- You have flat feet or high arches
- You have tight calf muscles or Achilles’ tendons
- You walk, run or stand for long periods
- Your feet roll inward a lot when you walk
- You wear shoes that do not fit well or are worn out
The treatments for planters fasciitis
The treatments that work best for planters fasciitis differ from person to person, thankfully, there are many treatments that you can try to alleviate the pain and other symptoms. Some of the treatments available include:
- Rest- cut back on hobbies and activities that hurt your foot
- Icing- applying ice to your heel can reduce pain and swelling
- Stretches- toe, calf and towel stretches will make the plantar fascia more flexible
- A new pair of shoes- cushioned soles and better arch support can significantly reduce the pain you are in
These are just a couple of the treatments that your podiatrist may recommend. If you’d like our help finding the best treatment for your planters fasciitis, pop in or give us a call to make an appointment, we are always happy to help.