Knowing more about Plantar fasciitis made easy!

If we ever feel pain ,swelling ,a hot sensation or numbness in the heel area of the foot, we must act fast because we could be suffering from Plantar Fasciitis which is nothing but inflammation of the fascia caused by a repetitive stretching of the tight bands of the plantar fascia . The condition often results in a heel spur on the calcaneus.

The most common complaints from Plantar Fasciitis are burning, stabbing, or aching pain in the heel of the foot. Symptoms include pain that is worse with the first few steps in the morning, pain after sitting or standing for prolonged periods, and pain at the beginning of a sporting activity. Other symptoms that can be observed with some frequency are numbness, a feeling of stepping on cork or cotton, temperature and color change and cramps. Flat feet, which result in the arch collapsing upon weight bearing, stretching the plantar fascia from the heel bone, running in hard surfaces, overweight, uncomfortable shoes and more, are some of the causes of this affliction.

It is necessary to treat this disease correctly and in time to obtain positive results and return to a normal life without suffering. Treatment most doctors recommend is an initial six to eight week program of conservative treatment which consist of slowing down the activities and rest a while to eliminate the inflammation. Massage with ice, preferably twice a day, or at least once at the end of the day. You can fill a small plastic bottle with water and freeze it. Rolling the heel and arch of the foot on the bottle for about 20 minutes will provide massage, stretching and cool sensation. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help the ligament become more flexible and can strengthen muscles that support the arch, in turn reducing stress on the ligament. Shoes with thicker, well-cushioned mid soles may help alleviate the problem. Comfortable, well-fitted shoes with low heels and good arch support are essential to preventing or treating Plantar Fasciitis. Doctors will also recommend shoes with soft and wide heel with a relatively rigid sole that provide maximum comfort and protection. The application of wraps along the entire length of the plantar fascia can be very effective, especially for acute pain and sports activities. When this condition is at the early stages we should apply it in a daily basis to ease the pain. We also should use some good night splints, which are removable braces, that allow passive stretching of the calf and plantar fascia during sleep, and minimize stress on the inflamed area. They are an effective method of treatment. Plantar fasciitis night splints are commonly available through online dealers and home medical equipment dealers. In extremely severe or resistant cases, the placement of a short walking cast for three to six weeks will relieve the problem. The oral anti-inflammatory analgesics provide relief to many patients. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen are often used but are of limited benefit. Doctors also recommend local injection of corticosteroids that often gives temporary or permanent relief, but may be painful, especially if not combined with a local anesthetic and injected slowly with a small-diameter needle.

I hope this article has been very helpful, and I suggest to all those who now know of this disease further, to move fast in order to not having to suffer serious consequences. Do not forget to act wisely and go to the doctor if you feel the symptoms of Plantar fasciitis.