Understanding and Overcoming Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, can make every step an ordeal. This condition affects the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects your heel to your toes.

The good news? Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for plantar fasciitis can help you find relief and get back on your feet. And for this blog post, Foot & Ankle Center of Ohio will provide some helpful tips and tricks to that effect.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Let’s start with the basics. To prevent or manage this condition, it’s crucial to understand the circumstances that contribute to it, including:

• Overuse and Strain: Activities that place repetitive stress on the plantar fascia, such as running, jumping, or prolonged standing, can lead to inflammation and pain.
• Biomechanical Issues: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal foot mechanics can contribute to plantar fasciitis by altering the way your foot absorbs shock and distributes weight.
• Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes with poor arch support or cushioning can exacerbate plantar fasciitis.
• Tight Calf Muscles: Tight calf muscles can increase tension on the plantar fascia, contributing to pain and inflammation.
• Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on the feet, increasing the risk of plantar fasciitis.

Losing weight, stretching, gradually pacing any sports activities, and prioritizing the right footwear can go a long way to preventing plantar fasciitis. That said, you might need to deal with it anyway: some estimates suggest that 1 in 10 Americans must deal with this condition at one point or another!

Signs and Symptoms

Themost common symptom is a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially in the morning or after a period of rest.

• Your foot may also feel stiff and difficult to flex, particularly first thing in the morning.
• You may notice some swelling around the heel or arch of your foot, and the bottom of your heel might be tender to the touch.

Treatment Options

The RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is the first line of defense against symptoms. Targeted exercises can strengthen and stretch the muscles in your feet and lower legs, while custom orthotics and arch supports can bolster or cushion your feet.

If these conservative methods don’t quite cut it, you might also consider Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Therapy (EPAT).  

This non-invasive treatment, which has been compared favorably to alternatives like cortisone injections, uses sound waves to stimulate a “cascade” of beneficial effects. Boosting healing while reducing pain, EPAT is often the go-to option for patients seeking more immediate relief.

For trusted podiatric experts, choose Foot & Ankle Center of Ohio! With advanced techniques, proven skills, and a stress-free environment, our team can resolve your foot and ankle problems and help you return to living your best life. Step past pain and schedule your appointment today.