Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

Your plantar fascia is a web-like band of connective tissue that stretches from your heel bone to the ball of the foot. This ligament It’s a shock absorber and supports the arch of the foot during movement. It also contributes to balancing your body’s weight during movements like standing, walking, running, and more. .

Because we spend so much time on our feet, your plantar fascia can become vulnerable to overuse. Chronic overuse, wear and tear, poor footwear, and ankle mobility issues, can all lead to the development of plantar fasciitis. This condition is often described as tearing, burning, or stabbing, in your heel or bottom of your foot.

WHAT CAUSES PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

We find that plantar fasciitis is commonly caused by mobility limitations in either the ankle or hip and can also stem from poor footwear.

A few other possible risk factors include:

  • Having high arches

  • Wearing shoes without proper arch support , or too much support.

  • Increasing exercise intensity or volume

  • Running, dancing, or other activities that place stress on the feet and heels

  • Working active jobs that require hours of walking or standing on hard surfaces

People who are overweight, pregnant, or over the age of 40 are also at higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

Plantar Fasciitis most commonly presents with pain along the arch of your foot or the bottom of your heel. Chronic heel pain is one of the most common symptoms. Plantar fasciitis commonly feels like a stabbing or burning sensation that starts during your first few steps of the day. The pain generally decreases throughout the day as you move.

Activities that may cause or worsen heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis include:

  • Long periods of standing

  • Intense exercise and extensive running.

  • Getting up from a seated position.

TREATMENTS FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS:

Like any other injury, it’s important to address it when it begins and not let it become a chronic problem. The longer plantar fasciitis occurs, the harder it is to improve and resolve.

Some common treatments for plantar fasciitis are:

  • Icing

  • Resting

  • NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals)

  • Braces & orthotics

  • Steroid injuections

  • Surgery

HOW PROACTIVE HEALTH CAN HELP:

PLANTAR FASCIITIS DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND PAIN RELIEF

The first step of fixing foot pain like plantar fasciitis is understanding why it’s happening. Plantar fasciitis can dramatically impact your quality of life and athletic performance. Our team are experts in diagnosing the root cause of pain and dysfunction.

In most cases, you won’t even have to stop your activity.

Our doctors will guide you through a full body functional movement assessment which is designed to uncover movement issues that may be contributing or causing your pain. Our main treatments for plantar fasciitis are hands on manual therapy combined with targeted rehab exercises focused on restoring proper function to your foot, ankle, and hips.. We strive to provide you with the tools and resources to manage your pain, so you can get back to living your active, awesome life!

If you’re experiencing plantar fasciitis, don’t wait. Call us at (423)779-3295 or click the button below to get started.