Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain in the heel and the bottom of the foot. It is driven by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel bone to the toes and supports the foot’s arch. The plantar fascia helps to absorb shock when you walk or run and helps to maintain the foot’s natural arch.
Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis Include:
- Sharp or burning pain in the heel.
- First thing in the morning or after long periods of rest.
- Pain that worsens with standing or walking for long periods.
- Pain that improves after warming up or after sitting.
Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis Include:
- Age (more common in people over 40 years old).
- Being overweight.
- Having a high arch or flat feet.
- Having tight calf muscles.
- A job that requires a lot of standing or walking.
Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis
Treatment for plantar fasciitis UK typically begins with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications. Stretching exercises, physical therapy, and orthotics (custom arch supports) can also help reduce pain and inflammation. Sometimes, a doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections or other more invasive treatments.
It’s important to address plantar fasciitis early to prevent it from becoming a chronic condition. In acute cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying problem and relieve pain.
Overall, the key to effectively managing plantar fasciitis is to address the root cause of the problem, whether it’s through changes to your lifestyle, physical therapy, or other treatments.
At Home, How To Prevent Plantar Fasciitis?
Fortunately, there are so many steps you can take to prevent plantar fasciitis from developing in the first place or to manage the symptoms if you already have it. Here are some tips for preventing plantar fasciitis at home:
1. Wear Supportive Shoes
One of the essential things you can do to prevent plantar fasciitis is to wear shoes that provide adequate help for your feet. Look for shoes with solid arch support and a cushioned sole, as these will help absorb shock and relieve the strain on your feet. If you usually spend a lot of time on your feet, consider investing in a pair of high-quality work shoes or inserts that can help reduce the impact on your feet.
2. Stretch Your Feet And Calves
Tight calf muscles can increase the strain on your feet, leading to plantar fasciitis. To prevent this, be sure to stretch your feet and calves regularly. A simple stretch you can do at home is to place a towel under your foot, then gently pull on both ends to stretch your calf muscle.
3. Strengthen Your Feet
Weak feet can also contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. To strengthen your feet, try doing exercises that target the muscles in your feet, such as toe raises and calf raises. You can also do exercises that involve picking up small objects with your toes, such as marbles or pebbles, to improve your foot strength.
4. Maintain A Healthy Weight
Carrying excess weight can put extra strain on your feet and increase the risk of plantar fasciitis. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can help relieve the pressure on your feet and prevent the development of this condition.
5. Avoid Overuse
Avoiding overuse is important if you spend a lot of time on your feet. This can mean taking regular breaks to rest your feet or switching to a different activity that doesn’t put as much stress on your feet. If you’re engaged in an activity that involves repetitive motions, such as running or jumping, consider changing your technique or taking a break from the activity altogether.
6. Apply Ice To The Affected Area
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in your feet, applying ice can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Wrap a bag of ice in a towel and apply it to the affected area for 20-30 minutes. Repeat this several times a day or as needed.
7. Massage The Affected Area
Massaging the affected area can also help reduce pain and improve circulation. To do this, use your fingers to apply gentle pressure to the affected area, moving in a circular motion. Repeat this several times a day or as needed.
8. Use Arch Supports Or Orthotics
Arch supports or orthotics can help distribute the weight evenly across your foot and reduce the strain on your plantar fascia. These devices can be purchased over the counter or custom-made by a podiatrist.
9. Practice Good Posture
Maintaining good posture can also help prevent plantar fasciitis. Make sure to stand up straight and avoid slouching,
Final Words:
So, plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that can be effectively prevented and managed with a few simple steps. Wearing supportive shoes, stretching your feet and calves, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding overuse, applying ice to the affected area, massaging the affected area, using arch supports or orthotics, and practising good posture are all effective ways to reduce the risk of developing plantar fasciitis and relieve symptoms if you already have it.
