Causes and Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

An injury to the bottom of the foot is commonly referred to as Plantar Fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that links your heel bone to each of your toes. In essence, it is a continuation of your calf muscles that transition into your achilles tendon and follow underneath your heel bone to the bottom of your foot. This condition can affect all people, athletes and non-athletes. The most common signs are pain in the heel or arch of your foot, especially with the first steps you take in the morning.

Plantar Fasciitis is commonly caused by a combination of several different factors. Calf tightness and limited ankle mobility are at the top of the list, along with abnormal foot structure or mechanics. Wearing improper or unsupportive footwear can exacerbate this condition as well. People with core and hip weakness often don't have as much support down the leg and their feet end up over-working with activity, causing this pain. Suddenly changing your exercise routine with proper training can often be enough to make plantar fasciitis show up as well.

The most common signs and symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis are tenderness and pain in the heel or arch of the foot. This pain often comes with the first steps you take in the morning. In addition to a painful foot in the morning, you may notice sore and achy feelings at the end of the day as well.

You can help prevent plantar fasciitis by maintaining adequate lower extremity mobility and muscular strength, and by paying attention to your exercise routine. Being aware of changes in an exercise surface, the volume of exercises performed, or your footwear are the best methods for preventing this type of injury. If you're currently suffering from heel or arch pain, some things that may help are rolling your foot on a tennis ball, stretching your foot and calf on a step, and strengthening your hips and core.

If you feel you may be suffering from plantar fasciitis in your foot, come in and see us to receive a proper evaluation and thorough assessment to determine what we can do to help you. This is one of those types of conditions that are more difficult to fix the longer you wait so don't delay. Come in and feel better soon!

reference: image from moveforwardpt.com