Have you ever felt pain in your foot while walking early in the morning? It’s a very common condition. It’s called plantar fasciitis. It’s a very common disease. 10-15 percent of people suffer from it.
What is plantar fascia?
It’s the lowest fascia of the human body. It bears the weight of the whole body. Along with it, plantar fascia helps in maintaining the structure of the foot. It also helps in keeping your feet strong. It is the structure which tolerates the first strike while we walk. As we walk with one foot on the ground, the plantar fascia bears the whole weight while walking.
What is plantar fasciitis?
The swelling of plantar fascia is plantar fasciitis. As it’s the lowest connective tissue it gets damaged very easily. The patient suffers much in the early morning while taking the first step out of bed.
What are the symptoms?
The earliest symptom is pain in heels while taking the first step. The heel feels swollen. After heavy work it feels more pain. Sometimes the lower surface of the toes feels tender.
Why does it occur?
There are many risk factors for plantar fasciitis.
Obesity
Heavy work and exercise putting more stress on heel
Improper footwear
Tight tendoachillis
Long standing
Hypothyroidism/Diabetes
How to get rid of planter fasciitis
The main treatment of planter fasciitis is done by avoiding the risk factors and certain exercises.
Stretching of plantar fascia : Stretch the foot daily while getting up for 10 minutes. There are many stretching exercises for it.
Ice application on the inflamed area: Apply ice twice a day on the affected area for 10-15 minutes.
Rolling of balls in the area: Roll the foot over a ball or round stick.
Use of soft sole: Use soft sole footwear. Don’t use rigid foot wear.
While walking do mid foot strike: While walking don’t strike your sole. Rather do mid foot strike which will help in recovery of the fasciitis.
Treatment of the underlying condition: Treatment of any comorbid disease like diabetes, hypothyroidism should be done for better outcome.
If it doesn’t improve visit doctors for further treatment. There are many medications and injections for severe conditions.
Plantar fasciitis is a benign condition. But good care of the foot and adequate treatment can help in decreasing the irritating pain.
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