What is plantar fascitis?
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Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that affects the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot. It acts as a shock-absorber with each step. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the tissue is swollen or inflamed from tiny tears in the ligament.
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The pain associated with plantar fasciitis happens with your first steps in the morning. Typically the pain decreases once your foot limbers up, but may recur after long periods of sitting and standing.
Plantar fasciitis can occur because of many different factors—high arches, flat feet, unsupportive shoes, tight muscles, and excessive pronation. It most commonly affects runners, especially active men and women ages 40-70.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can be indicated by pain in the heel and/or arches and tightness of the calves.
How to prevent plantar fasciitis
Another contributing factor to developing plantar fasciitis is being overweight. By maintaining a healthy weight, the stress placed on your plantar fascia lessens.
Your fashion choices can impact your risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Not only is it important to wear supportive shoes when being active, but it is also important to minimize how often you wear high heels, go barefoot, and walk on uneven surfaces.
How to treat plantar fasciitis
It’s important to be proactive in the treatment of your foot pain. AMH physical rehabilitation professionals can help demonstrate and educate you on a variety of calf and other arch stretches to keep your muscles lean and flexible. To help restore function and relieve pain, Chiropractic treatment can correct misalignments that may be at the root cause. Acupuncture can also help to relieve pain and inflammation.
Daily, at home treatment may include icing the bottom of feet for 15-20 minutes up to 4 times a day, wrapping the foot, and using supportive footwear.
If you’re experiencing pain that is preventing you from enjoying an active life, schedule a complimentary consultation at an Aligned Modern Health near you and find out we were voted “Best Sports Rehab Center” in the Midwest.
