Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Plantar fasciitis is a common inflammatory condition associated with the overuse of plantar fascia. In common terms plantar fascia is known as the arch tendon of the foot. Speaking of the structure of plantar fascia, it is a thick band of tissues and is aligned from the heel to the front portion of the foot. It connects to each and every bone that constitutes the ball of your foot. There is a pad made of fat present in your heel covering the plantar fascia. This pad helps in absorbing the shocks experienced during walking. Heel pain can be experienced if the plantar fascia gets damaged. Plantar fasciitis is known by many other names such as the tennis heel, policeman's heel and the jogger's heel. Plantar fasciitis is said to affect young people. Read more about plantar fasciitis treatment.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

It is found that the plantar fascia loses its elasticity and becomes like a rope which cannot stretch properly. Moreover, the fat pad covering the plantar fascia also becomes thin and therefore the person experiences shocks during walking. Damage caused due to these shocks can lead to swelling, bruising and tearing of the plantar fascia. Some of the common causes of plantar fasciitis are:

• Obesity is found to be one of the reasons why people suffer from plantar fasciitis. This is because obese people are less flexible and agile. Being overweight, they may also be suffering from back aches which pose limitations of bending down and thus exert pressure on the plantar fascia.
• Plantar fasciitis is also said to occur if you remain standing for an excessively long period of time due to the continuous pressure on your heel.
• Diabetes - Although not much evidence is found in this regard, diabetes is found to be another reason for plantar fasciitis in the elderly.

Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

Any disorder or pain must be treated promptly. As over a period of time, it becomes difficult to sustain the pain and it is likely to create more problems with growing age. Same is the case with plantar fasciitis - the earlier you take action against it, the easier it is to cure it. Fortunately, there are many treatments available to cure plantar fasciitis. This includes natural remedies like regular exercise as well as treatment with professional help in the form of various therapies.

Natural Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Regular plantar fasciitis exercises prove very helpful in curing the disorder.

• Stretches - Opt for plantar fasciitis stretches for your calf muscles. They help in relaxing the muscles, easing the pain and also in quick recovery. The exercise is very simple. You just need to stand facing a wall. Lean on the wall with the help of your hands with the palms resting on the wall. Place one leg in front and bend the knee. Ensure that you do not put any weight on this leg. Let the other leg be straight with the heel touching the floor. Now, move your hips towards the wall till you feel a stretch. Maintain this position for about half a minute and repeat with the other leg.
• Medications - Ibuprofen, which is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is found to be effective in reducing inflammation and pain in the plantar fascia.
• Lose Weight - Now this remedy can help you get rid of many problems! Those 'extra pounds' of your body actually put 'extra stress' on the plantar fascia. So fix a schedule of diet and exercise for your weight loss program.
• Adjustment in the Footwear - Get a pair of supportive shoes that offer good arch support. Also see that the heels are not too high so as to decrease the stress on the plantar fascia.
• Ice Treatment - Apply a pack of ice when at home. Keep the pack for about 10-12 minutes.
• Rest - Do not stress your feet by performing continuous physical activities. Give your feet sufficient rest.

Therapies for Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

If you are not relieved from the pain even after regular exercises, you can opt for medical help, of course by consulting a specialist!

• Injection Therapy - This therapy involves the use of corticosteroid injections in order to reduce pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia. This however provides temporary relief from the pain.
• Physical Therapy - On seeking advice, the specialist will prescribe you some more exercises and also teach you the right way to do them. This would help in getting rid of the problem in less time.
• Orthotic Devices - Structural abnormalities are also one of the causes of plantar fasciitis. In this case, a foot and ankle surgeon would fit an orthotic device into your shoes which will help in correcting the structural abnormalities.

These were some of the plantar fasciitis treatments. Whether your pain is light or severe, it is always advisable to seek consultation from a foot and ankle surgeon. He will examine things properly and prescribe you the best treatment for plantar fasciitis depending on your foot structure and the severity of pain. This will avoid further complications and will help you come out of the pain quickly. Remember, like all the other body parts, feet are also important. After all, they are the ones that carry you everywhere for the whole of your life!