Plantar fasciitis
How to prevent and treat plantar fasciitis: for athletes and people on prolonged standing
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. A weakening condition that can have harmful consequences. It occurs when the fascia that connects the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed.
To better understand the causes:
The plantar fascia is a thick elastic tissue that cushions the sole of the foot and contributes to its arch shape. It is responsible for carrying nutrients and oxygen from the heel to the toes. While plantar fasciitis is common in athletes, it can also affect people who stand for long periods of time, such as teachers and nurses. In fact, plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and treat plantar fasciitis.
People who experience heel pain, especially during the first few steps of their day, are at high risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
There are many risk factors for plantar fasciitis. The most common risk factors are overuse, high-impact exercise, inflexible muscles, flat or hollow feet and poor footwear. Your risk of developing plantar fasciitis is higher if you do high-impact exercise, such as running or soccer. You are also at greater risk if you have a sedentary job that requires you to stand for long periods of time. If your ankles and other joints have little mobility, your muscles may not be very flexible. This can lead to increased tension on the plantar fascia.
If you experience ongoing heel pain, see your podiatrist to diagnose whether you have plantar fasciitis. In the early stages, it can cause a stabbing pain in the heel when you take your first steps in the morning. If left untreated, the pain can become chronic. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can lead to more serious injuries, such as a heel spur (calcification of the plantar fascia) or a heel fracture.
To better understand the treatment :
The pain caused by plantar fasciitis can range from mild to excruciating and is usually most intense when you take your first steps after a period of inactivity. It is important to stretch your calves, hamstrings and plantar muscles before exercising. It is also important to wear shoes that are appropriate for your activities. Make sure your shoes have good heel support, cushioning and fit properly.
A great way to support your feet is to use an orthotic insole. Insoles and orthopedic shoes can be used to reduce foot pain and prevent other foot problems from developing.
Stretching is an extremely important part of the prevention and treatment of plantar fasciitis.
Rest, cold therapy, physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, injections and infiltrations, etc., can help reduce pain, increase blood flow and reduce inflammation in people with plantar fasciitis. Give your body time to heal.
However, some people need more help than that. If your pain is extreme and prevents you from leading a normal life, you may need surgery.
Plantar fasciitis surgery is usually a last resort. A consultation with your podiatrist will certainly be the best way to aim for a comfortable and healthy life.
