Symptoms and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis:
Heel pain is a common complaint that has many causes. Heel pain may result from inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot. This is called plantar fasciitis.
The plantar (foot) fascia (connective tissue) stretches under the skin across the arch of the foot from the heel to the base of the toes, when this tissue is tom, overused, or improperly stretched. It can become inflamed (fasciitis) Soreness, tenderness, and palm result. Persons who are overweight, female, or older than 40 years or who spend long hours on their feet are especially at risk of developing plantar fasciitis Athletes, especially joggers and runners, may develop plantar fasciitis.
Sometimes plantar fasciitis can be associated with heel spurs. These spurs are outgrowths of bone on the calcaneus (heel bone). They are sometimes painful and may occasionally require surgical treatment.
Symptoms
- Heel Pain, especially in the early morning or after a period of rest
- Increasing pain with standing
- Pain in the heel after exercising
Treatments
- Rest
- Arch supports (sometimes called orthotics) to be worn in shoes
- Stretching the calf muscles and Achilles tendon
- Ice packs
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen
- Reducing excess body weight
- Corticosteroid injections may be used in select cases
- Surgery may be helpful if other treatments are not successful
Other causes of Heel Pain
It is important to understand that all heel pain is not from plantar fasciitis. Other medical problems can cause foot and heel pain. Diabetes and blood vessel disease, both serious medical problems, can cause heel pain. Arthritis, traumatic injury and bruising, gout, stress fractures (caused by repeated stress on bone), and other diseases can also cause heel pain. Rarely, tumors (either benign or cancerous) or infections can cause heel pain. If you develop persisting heel pain, see your doctor for an evaluation.
Plantar fasciitis is common in middle-aged people. It also happens in young individuals who are on their legs a lot, like sportsmen or military. It can occur in one feet or both legs. For best treatment of Plantar fasciitis Visit http://www.alliancephysicaltherapyva.com Contact Us at: 703-751-1008.