Plantar Fascitis
What is Plantar Fascitis?
Plantar fascitis is a common foot condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. This condition typically manifests as intense pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Understanding the Causes
To effectively address plantar fascitis, it's crucial to comprehend its underlying causes:
Overuse and Strain: Repetitive stress and strain on the plantar fascia, often caused by excessive walking, running, or standing, can lead to micro-tears and inflammation.
Improper Footwear: Ill-fitting shoes with inadequate arch support can exacerbate the condition, as they fail to cushion and support the arch of the foot.
Biomechanical Issues: An abnormal foot structure or gait abnormalities can contribute to the development of plantar fascitis.
Most Common Symptoms of Plantar Fascitis
Recognizing the symptoms is the first step towards managing plantar fascitis effectively:
Heel Pain: The most common symptom is a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially during the first steps of the day.
Pain After Rest: Pain may also intensify after prolonged periods of sitting or rest.
Arch Discomfort: Some individuals experience aching or burning sensations in the arch of the foot.
Stiffness: Foot stiffness, especially in the morning, is a prevalent symptom.
How to Effectively Manage Plantar Fascitis
First, you may want to consider starting out with rest from activities and use ice. Rest and ice are both effective ways to give your feet a break and reduce inflammation. Next, you can try out different styles of footwear which can help prevent flare-ups.
Aside from footwear, it is also a considerable idea to engage in stretching exercises and muscles release techniques throughout the day which can be ideal to relieve built-up tension on the plantar fascia. Lastly, it may be wise to consider osteopathic treatment. At MK Osteopathy we can assist with addressing biomechanical issues, muscle imbalance and improve overall foot function.