Are you experiencing heel pain on both feet? Is it worst in the morning after waking up from bed making the first few steps? Are over the counter pain killers not working anymore? You may have a condition called Plantar Fasciitis. What is this condition and how do you treat it? What causes it? Here, we find out:
Causes
The condition is caused by straining the ligament that supports your arch. Under normal circumstances, your plantar fascia acts like a shock-absorbing mechanism that supports the arch in your foot. If tension and stress on that bowstring becomes too great, small tears can arise in the fascia. In addition, repeated and chronic strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament too which can all lead to pain and swelling. Below are some risk factors:
- Rolling your feet inward too much when you walk.
- Having high arches or flat feet.
- Walking, standing, or running for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces.
- Being overweight.
- Wearing shoes that don't fit well or are worn out.
- Having tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles
Symptoms
Most people with plantar fasciitis have pain when they take their first steps after they get out of bed or sit for a long time. The pain is described as stabbing pain localized in the bottom of your foot near the heel. You may have less stiffness and pain after you take a few steps. But your foot may hurt more as the day goes on. It may hurt the most when you climb stairs or after you stand for a long time. Whats also remarkable is that the pain is usually worse after exercise and not during it.
Treatment
The first line of treatment is pharmacotherapy. Patients are asked to take non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs initially and if it works, then problem solved. Some will not be so fortunate and will be advised steroid injections deep into the feet. Others may also choose physical therapy while others are simply advised to wear comfortable shoes or have customized insoles done. In all cases, be sure to talk to your family physician first so he or she can suggest tests too. You may also want to try chiropractic care if you want and tell us how it works out for you.
