What is Plantar Fasciitis and What Causes it?

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Plantar Fasciitis is a disorder that compromises the functionality of the foot. Usually, the condition affects a specific part of the foot referred to as the arch. The main symptom of the condition is that it causes pain in the heel and bottom section of the foot. More so, pain is also usually caused when the foot rests in a bent position. Left unchecked and the pain can increase significantly over time. As such any form of increased pressure on the foot can lead to secondary pain and foot issues. Treating the problem typically requires the assistance of a qualified medical practitioner.

While the leading causes of the foot health condition are not apparent, it is associated with various risk factors. For instance, issues such as intense physical activity, poor body weight, poor diet and more are leading causes. More so, the condition is also associated with unusual positions of the foot, and lack of physical activity as well. Plantar fasciitis is a disorder that affects the connection of the ligament and the bone.  There are several key characteristics of the condition. They include broken collagens, tears in the bone and scars. Usually, the condition is diagnosed through pain testing. Other techniques used to diagnose the condition includes ultrasounds.

Symptoms

There are various signs associated with the foot health condition. Usually, the symptoms vary and in relation to the specific characteristics of each. These symptoms include:

• Sharp pain – the first cause of plantar fasciitis is that it causes a sharp pain. An average of 75% of suffers from the condition usually demonstrates a reaction to pain. More so, the pain often increases when the foot sits in a constant place for a significant duration.
• Scarring – due to the damage that occurs on the bones and muscles, scarring is also another common symptom. Usually, the scarring relates to the level of damage and pain as well.
• Swelling – swelling is usually the body’s response to the onset of pain. As such, any form of swelling around the affected area is also a significant symptom of plantar fasciitis.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis process for plantar fasciitis often involves the evaluation of various risk factors. Some of these aspects usually include the person’s health history, bone structure, immune health, lifestyle and more. Besides that, medical practitioners often employ the use of imaging techniques such as X-ray. These are beneficial in outlining any pain and damage that occurs on the inner structure of the foot. More so, the process often involves a clinical exam where the doctor evaluates the patient for the symptoms named above. However, the use of medical imaging is not often required because the signs are usually apparent.

Treatment

Close to all plantar fasciitis issues usually resolve themselves within six months. However, the recovery process often relates to the treatment plan the individual applies. More so, the treatment process often relates to various factors such as the physical characteristics of the individual.  There are different treatment methods that are useful to the condition. They include:

1. Rest, Massage and Exercise

Rest is perhaps one of the most effective solutions for treating plantar fasciitis. The individual might have to make significant changes to their day to day lifestyles. This might include changing the amount of pressure applied on the foot and the level of physical activity. Besides that, useful techniques such as massage have also proved to be crucial in the healing process. Special massage therapy techniques can be used to soothe the affected area, and to reconstruct the bone and muscle structure. In most cases, the massage is often applied along with special oils such as lavender oil. These oils are known to have a soothing effect and promote the production of endorphins in the blood. Lifestyle habits of the individual are also crucial in the recovery process. This includes eating well and avoiding products such as substance abuse, which can affect the immune system.

2. Custom Orthotics and Insoles

These footwear resources are useful in the recovery process as well. The custom orthotics are beneficial because they help to address specific foot pain complications. Usually, the doctor develops them with the specific physical characteristics of each. Besides that, the insoles are also excellent in pain management. The insoles can be used as useful shock absorbers, and to provide added comfort for the individual. The benefit of insoles is that they are readily available and can adjust to specific foot health complications.

Insoles alone can’t magically convert a bad shoe into a good one, though. You’re going to have to invest in a pair of very comfortable shoes. These can be any kinds of shoes. You know your own situation best. Some people like to wear sneakers (click here for white ones, if that’s your color of preference). If you’re not ashamed to wear clogs, then go for clogs.

3. Injections and Medications

There are various types of injections that are applicable for treating the foot health complication. Research has shown that corticosteroid injects useful in treating plantar fasciitis. The injections are by far the most effective method of addressing the problem. These injections are used to target the affected area, and to promote fast recovery and healing. More so, there are various types of injections that are suitable for plantar fasciitis.  Among some of these common medications include anti-inflammatory drugs, ibuprofen, and aspirin. These medications are not directly related to the healing process. However, they play an essential role in soothing the pain and decreasing the level of inflammation.

4. Surgery

While surgery is highly effective at treating plantar fasciitis, it is often considered as a secondary solution. Usually, the surgery process requires a significant amount of funding, and the healing process takes a few weeks. However, the surgery is only recommended for people who need urgent recovery. This might include people such as politicians, professional sportsmen and more. The operation is used to target the delicate parts of the foot that suffer from pain and inflammation.

Overall

Taking good care of your physical health conditions is essential. Plantar fasciitis is among some of the common health complications affecting people today. Usually, the condition resolves itself within a few months, especially with the proper lifestyle habits. However, in some cases, the condition requires secondary measures such as injection or surgery. A medical practitioner should conduct an evaluation and provide a useful diagnosis and treatment plan for your needs.

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