Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms

Have you experienced that sudden stabbing pain in the heel in the morning? The type of pain that is felt when you try to walk after standing still or sitting for a long time? The pain is usually felt in the heel and is excruciating. This pain is caused due to a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that connect the heel to the toes and inflammation of these tissues leads to this condition. Plantar fasciitis can be found in children as well as adults.

Plantar Fasciitis Causes

This condition is caused when the plantar fascia or the tissues in the heel are torn or inflamed. Plantar fasciitis seems similar to heel spur, but, the two are different conditions. Plantar fasciitis is caused when the tension on the plantar fascia increases due to any reason and leads to plantar fascia tear. Having foot arch problems (i.e., having flat feet or high arched feet) is the most common cause of this condition. Secondly, it is also commonly found in runners, especially, who run on uneven surfaces. However, obese people, those wearing shoes without proper arch support, those who have gained weight suddenly, etc. may also suffer from plantar fasciitis. Although found in both children and adults, middle-aged adults form the majority of people suffering from this condition.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Severe heel pain is the most common and identifying symptom of this condition. As mentioned above, the pain caused due to plantar fasciitis is of specific type. It is experienced in the morning or after any instance when the foot was still for a longer time. Therefore, the person experiences a stabbing pain at the center of the heel on trying to walk after sitting or standing for a long time. One also experiences pain as soon as weight is put on the heel. The pain may or may not travel to the toes and is usually experienced only in one foot. Peculiarly, the pain subsides when the person undertakes some physical activity or stretches the leg/ feet. However, in case the person suffers from severe condition, the symptoms do not subside on stretching. Severe symptoms include pain in the heel that worsens if the person continues doing the activity that causes the pain (like running or wearing improper shoes) and may not get better with physiotherapy.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

On consulting the doctor, he will suggest you different treatment options depending on the severity of the condition. Rest, massage therapy, stretching, using cold packs, physiotherapy, etc. are some of the treatment options in minor cases. At the same time, the doctor will also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to get rid of the pain and the inflammation. In case, the condition is caused due to improper foot arches or due to wearing wrong shoes, the doctor may advise the person to go for orthotics. In severe cases, a surgery may also be recommended to correct the abnormality completely. However, although effective, there are several risks involved with the plantar fasciitis surgery; one of the major being nerve injury. Along with the treatment methods, one should also correct the reasons causing it like being overweight, wearing improper shoes, etc.

As the symptoms are easily identified, the condition can be diagnosed and treated easily. However, we should try to prevent the self-induced causes of this painful situation by wearing proper shoes, exercising (running) under guidance of the trainer and maintaining proper weight. Take care!