Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot pain problems, and can be one of the most painful.
Plantar fasciitis usually manifests itself first as a dull, intermittent pain in the heel, then as a sharp, persistent pain. For others, it may result from a minor injury causing heel pain, often described as a stone or bruise. Still others notice heel or arch pain every morning or after sitting for long periods. All these signs may indicate that you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can also occur if you suffer from chronic pain or inflammation of the plantar fascia following walking, running, standing or other physical activity.
Do you suffer from constant pain under the foot?
Do you suffer from acute heel pain?
Has your doctor diagnosed you with plantar fasciitis?
Are you looking for ways to relieve this foot pain before surgery is the only solution?
WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
PLANTAR FASCIITIS IS A COMMON FOOT AILMENT.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is characterized by inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the sole of the foot and connects the heel to the toes (plantar fascia). Plantar fasciitis generally causes a stabbing pain that starts with your first steps in the morning. When you stand up and move around, the pain normally diminishes, but it may reappear after standing for long periods, after exercise or when you stand up after sitting down.
WHAT CAUSES PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
CAUSES OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Plantar fasciitis is caused by the plantar fascia, which is shaped like an arch, supporting the arch of the foot and absorbing shocks as you walk. If the tension and stress exerted on this cord are 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. Find out more about the causes of plantar fasciitis and how to treat it? Our team presents some foot care solutions and more in this recent blog post on plantar fasciitis.
You may also be wondering whether plantar fasciitis can be prevented. In many cases, it is. Want to find out more about preventing plantar fasciitis, as well as treatments and daily exercises you can do? Read our blog entitled Plantar fasciitis... Can it be prevented?
THE BEST FOOT CARE FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS
EXERCISES, TREATMENT AND PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS
A physiotherapist should be able to show you a series of exercises you can do at home to stretch the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon and strengthen the muscles of the lower leg.
These foot exercises can help stretch and strengthen toe and foot muscles to relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis. Here are some daily exercises for the treatment of plantar fasciitis:
Rest as much as possible
Apply ice to the heel for 10 to 15 minutes twice a day.
Take over-the-counter pain medication
Wear well-fitting shoes
Wear foot alignment socks, a special sock that stretches the foot while you rest or sleep.
Use heel lifts or orthopedic insoles to reduce the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
PREVENTING PLANTAR FASCIITIS
To prevent plantar fasciitis from developing and worsening, try taking preventive measures to get the best out of yourself. 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 properly support your feet can make a huge difference in reducing the risk of plantar fasciitis and the way your foot feels throughout the day when you're standing, walking or running.
If plantar fasciitis is associated with exercise or work, you can stop or reduce activity to allow the foot to heal. If you experience foot pain, such as a dull heel ache, tingling or shooting pain, it's best to stop exercising or running until the pain has subsided. Stretching can be an effective way of treating plantar fasciitis or, if necessary, preventing it. These stretches can be performed 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 pain and give yourself the best chance of healthy, happy feet.
FOOT ALIGNMENT SOCKS AND NIGHT SPLINTS
Many physiotherapists and doctors recommend wearing a splint or socks that stretch the calf, arch or toes for proper foot alignment. This foot care solution for plantar fasciitis can be simple and effective while you watch TV or even while you sleep.
My Happy Feet has patented alignment socks that do just that while providing comfortable daily treatment for plantar fasciitis and common foot ailments. Often, these socks can be worn overnight and help position your toes while lengthening and stretching them, helping to relieve pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Buy a pair today by visiting our online store.
