Discomforting symptoms such as heel pain can interrupt daily life. If you want to be sure it is not due to an irritated plantar fascia ligament, get checked out.

You might have relief from a nonsurgical treatment. Still, in cases when the inflammation is severe, you might want to consider surgery. In this post, we examine plantar fasciitis in further detail, including its signs, causes, types of therapy, and time required for recovery.

Plantar fasciitis: what is it?

The heel’s bottom becomes painful due to plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is called the thick, web-like ligament that links your heel to the front of your foot. It assists you in walking by serving as a shock absorber and supporting your foot’s arch.

Plantar fasciitis is among the most common orthopedic conditions. Your daily activities put a lot of strain on your plantar fascia ligaments. The ligaments can be harmed or torn by placing too much pressure on your feet—inflammation of the plantar fascia results in stiffness and pain in the heels.

Uncertainty about the source of plantar fasciitis symptoms. According to a study, the condition can be caused by deterioration of the plantar fascia rather than inflammation. Plantar fasciitis might be a better name because fasciitis means “inflammation of a fascia.”

What are plantar fasciitis’ main signs and symptoms?

The heel’s bottom is hurting or occasionally, the bottom of the midfoot is the main symptom of plantar fasciitis. It typically only affects one foot, although it might happen with both. Plantar fasciitis pain gradually worsens over time. The discomfort may be acute or mild. Some persons experience a burning or aching sensation that radiates outward from the heel to the bottom of the foot.

The pain is typically worse whenever you get up in the morning or after sitting or lying down for a long time. Due to heel stiffness, climbing stairs might be exceedingly challenging. The pain may worsen due to increased irritation or inflammation after prolonged exertion. Those who have plantar fasciitis typically experience pain only after ceasing an activity.

Who gets plantar fasciitis, and what are the causes?

Heel spurs don’t usually cause plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs do not cause discomfort in patients with plantar fasciitis, contrary to what doctors once thought.

Although a tear or a few minor tears in the fascia tissue can also cause discomfort, overstretching or misusing this ligament are the main causes of plantar fasciitis. Depending on how your feet are built, you may be more prone to getting plantar fasciitis.

Ages 40 to 70 are when active men and women are most susceptible to acquiring plantar fasciitis. It affects women slightly more frequently than it does males. Plantar fasciitis is common among pregnant women, especially in the later stages.

Risk Elements

You have a higher chance of getting plantar fasciitis if you:

• Have obesity or are overweight. This is because your plantar fascia ligaments are under more strain, especially if you’ve gained weight quickly.
• You run a lot of distance.
• Have a job that requires you to move around a lot, like serving in a restaurant or working in a factory.
• Have structural foot problems, such as flat feet or high arches.
• Have stiff Achilles tendons, which connect your calf muscles to the back of your heels.
• Frequently wear footwear with little arch support and soft soles.

How does a physician identify plantar fasciitis?

Your doctor will test you to ascertain the specific site of the pain and any sensitivity in your foot. Do this to ensure the discomfort isn’t resulting from another foot issue.

During the examination, they can ask you to flex your foot. At the same time, they apply pressure to the plantar fascia to determine whether the discomfort increases with flexing and decreases with toe-pointing. If you have any minor swelling or redness, they will also note it. Your doctor will examine you: to determine the condition of your nerves and the strength of your muscles.

• Reflexes
• Muscular tone
• Tactile sensitivity
• Vision
• Coordination
• Balance

Imaging Tests

Imaging examinations can also provide crucial details about the tissues and structures inside your foot. An X-ray or an MRI scan may be required to ensure that nothing else, such as a bone fracture, is the source of your heel pain. An X-ray can still help rule out bone fractures, heel spurs, and other potential causes, even though soft tissues are difficult to see on the film.

Meanwhile, an MRI can show whether the plantar fascia has thickened or if there has been any tissue edema. An ultrasound may be helpful as well. Check with a reliable source to discover if there are any calcifications, thickenings, or other problems.

What is the remedy for plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is frequently first treated at home with rest, ice, bracing, and anti-inflammatory medications. A corticosteroid injection into the ligament’s injured area may be helpful if none work. This can be done in your doctor’s office.

The ideal location for the injection may be determined by your doctor using an ultrasound scan. Additionally, corticosteroids can be applied to the skin of your heel or foot arch. Then a painless electrical current can be used to allow the steroid to flow through your skin and into the muscle.

Takeaway

Most people can manage their plantar fasciitis symptoms without surgery. Instead, physical therapy, at-home remedies, and medical interventions help to improve their condition. It may take up to two years of treatment before your symptoms improve. In some circumstances, you might need to consider having surgery if you want medical attention for plantar fasciitis or any other problem like Flat feet, Heel pain, Foot pain, heel spurs, etc.

Contact Bayshore Podiatry Today

Did we answer some of the questions that you have had on your mind? If not, the best way to get the answers and treatment you need is by booking an appointment with Bayshore Podiatry. Our entire team and caring Podiatrists are ready to help you. Schedule an appointment only or visit our clinic today. Pay attention to your symptoms no matter what treatment you select. More painful problems may result from untreated plantar fasciitis.