Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent foot injury characterized by inflammation of the tissue along the underside of the foot. This band of tissue, known as the plantar fascia, links the heel bone to the toes, serving as a natural shock absorber and providing support to the foot arch. When irritated, it can lead to sharp pain, hindering normal activities.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis:
Repetitive stretching from activities like running, jumping, or prolonged standing can exert excessive stress on the plantar fascia, resulting in small tears, inflammation, and irritation. However, the exact cause is often unclear.
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis, including:
- Obesity
- Engaging in sports or exercises involving extensive running and jumping
- Foot conditions like high arches or flat feet
- Occupations requiring prolonged standing
- Age (most common among individuals aged 40 to 60)
Signs and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis:
To identify plantar fasciitis-related foot pain, watch for these signs:
- Stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot, near the heel
- Maximum pain during the initial steps of the day
- Pain worsening after activities rather than during them
- Pain triggered by standing after extended periods of sitting
- Pain induced by prolonged standing
Aside from foot pain, plantar fasciitis can cause discomfort in the knees, hips, and other body parts. Altered walking patterns due to the painful foot may result in increased strain on other areas.
Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis:
Various treatments are available to alleviate plantar fasciitis pain:
- Physiotherapy offering exercises to strengthen and stretch leg muscles, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia
- Night splints for stretching the foot arch and calf during sleep
- Acupuncture and ultrasound therapy for pain relief, improved blood flow, and tissue healing stimulation
- Custom-designed orthotic shoe inserts providing proper support to alleviate pain and reduce foot strain
Prevention of Plantar Fasciitis:
Follow these tips to prevent plantar fasciitis:
- Weight loss to reduce stress on the plantar fascia
- Avoiding worn-out shoes, particularly during athletic activities, to maintain proper support
- Regular stretching of the plantar fascia and calf muscles.
Cost and Coverage
Like many of our services, our physiotherapy treatments are often covered through employer, auto, or disability insurance. So treatments can be available at little or no cost to you. Get in touch or schedule a consultation to learn more.
