PLANTAR FASCIITIS...WHAT IS IT?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot pain issues and can be one of the most painful. 

Typically, Plantar Fasciitis begins gradually as a dull, intermittent pain in the heel and progresses to sharp, persistent pain. For others it can be the result of a minor injury with pain in the heel, often referred to as a stone or bruise. Still, others notice it as pain in your heel or arches every morning or after sitting for long periods of time. All of these could be signs you may have plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can also develop if you have chronic pain or inflammation of the plantar fascia from walking, running, standing, or other physical activity.

• Do you have constant pain along the bottom of your foot? 
• Do you have sharp pain in your heel?
• Has your doctor diagnosed you with the foot condition plantar fasciitis?  
• Are you looking for ways to relieve that foot pain before surgery is the only option for correcting them?  

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is a Common Foot Ailment

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia). Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As you get up and move, the pain normally decreases, but it might return after long periods of standing, after exercise or when you stand up after sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis Causes

Plantar Fasciitis is caused by our plantar fascia which is in the shape of a bowstring, supporting the arch of your foot and absorbing shock when you walk. If tension and stress on this bowstring become too great, small tears can occur in the fascia. Repeated stretching and tearing can irritate or inflame the fascia, although the cause remains unclear in many cases of plantar fasciitis. To learn more about what causes plantar fasciitis and how you treat plantar fasciitis? Our team shares some foot care solutions and more in this recent blog post on plantar fasciitis.

You may also be wondering if plantar fasciitis can be prevented. In many cases it can be. Want to learn more about preventing plantar fasciitis as well as some treatments and daily exercises you can do? Read our  blog titled Plantar Fasciitis...Can It Be Prevented.

Best Foot Care Treatments For Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis Exercises, Treatment & Physical Therapy

A physical therapist should be able to show you a series of at home exercises to stretch the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon and to strengthen lower leg muscles.

These foot exercises can help to stretch and strengthen your toe & foot muscles to provide relief to your plantar fasciitis pain. Some daily foot exercises for plantar fasciitis treatment include activities such as:

• Rest as much as possible
  
• Apply ice to the heel for 10 to 15 minutes twice a day
  
• Take over-the-counter pain medications
• Wear shoes that fit properly
• Wear foot alignment socks, a special sock that stretches the foot while you rest or sleep
• Use heel lifts or shoe inserts (also known as orthotic insoles) to reduce plantar fasciitis pain

Plantar Fasciitis Prevention

To prevent plantar fasciitis from developing and getting worse, try to take preventive measures to put your best foot forward. If you change the way you walk to minimize the pain associated with plantar fasciitis, you may not have foot, knee, hip, or back problems in the future. Choosing shoes that support your feet properly can make a huge difference in reducing the risk of plantar fasciitis and the way your foot feels all day long when standing, walking and running.

If plantar fasciitis is associated with exercise or work, you can stop or reduce the activity to allow the foot to heal. If you have pain in your foot, such as a dull pain in your heel, tingling, or stabbing pain, it is best to stop exercising or running until the pain has subsided. Stretching can be an effective way to treat plantar fasciitis or, if at all, protect it from development. This can be done before exercise or in the evening with a pair of foot alignment socks while you relax or even sleep. Our team covered a variety of exercises and tips for plantar fasciitis pain in this recent blog. Free your feet from morning pains and give yourself the best possible chance of healthy, happy feet.

Foot Alignment Socks & Night Splints

Many physical therapists & doctors will recommend wearing a splint or socks that stretches your calf, the arch of your foot or toes for proper foot alignment. This foot care solution for plantar fasciitis can be simple and effective all while you sit watching TV or even while you sleep.

My Happy Feet has patented alignment socks that do just that while providing a comfortable daily foot care treatment for plantar fasciitis and most common foot ailments. Often these can be worn overnight and help to position your toes while lengthening and stretching leading to relief from plantar fasciitis pain. Buy a pair today by visiting our online store.

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