What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the arch of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your metatarsals (also known as the ball of your foot). The plantar fascia is there to create the arch of your foot and contribute to proper balance and gait. You can think of it like a tightrope
What Are The Causes of Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60. Activities that place a lot of stress on your heel and attached tissue such as long-distance running can induce this condition, Tension and stress on the fascia can cause small tears. Repeated stretching and tearing of the facia can irritate or inflame it, although the cause remains unclear in many cases of plantar fasciitis.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis typically causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel. The pain is usually the worst with the first few steps after awakening, although it also can be triggered by long periods of standing or when you get up from sitting.
What Are The Risk Factors of Plantar Fasciitis?
- Age. Plantar fasciitis is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60.
- Obesity. Excess pounds put extra stress on your plantar fascia.
- Occupations that keep you on your feet. Factory workers, teachers and others who spend most of their work hours walking or standing on hard surfaces can be at increased risk of plantar fasciitis.
How is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?
The bottom of the arch of the foot is painful to walk on and to palpation
What Are Possible Treatments For Plantar Fasciitis?
Forms of specific myofascial massage done at our office have sometimes relieved many years of chronic unremitting pain of this condition.
Are There Preventative Steps or Measures To Avoid Plantar Fasciitis?
Obesity must be addressed by the patient. Being overweight places additional stress on the foot.
What Are The Risks If Plantar Fasciitis Is Left Untreated?
Ignoring plantar fasciitis can result in chronic heel pain that hinders your regular activities. You’re likely to change your walk to try to avoid plantar fasciitis pain, which might lead to foot, knee, hip or back problems.
