This article will outline what is Plantar Fascitis, how it is diagnosed, and what treatments are available. Plantar Fasciitis is the degeneration of the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that runs on the bottom of your foot. This irritation causes pain due to the pressure applied on this area when people walk.
The condition can cause pain in the heel and is usually worse when you’re first standing up after sitting or lying down. Most people will recover from plantar fascitis without treatment but about 1% will have persistent symptoms.
People have been enduring plantar fasciitis for centuries, but the pain from this ailment has been increasing in recent years. In fact, according to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, the number of people who walk with foot pain has increased by more than 60% in just 10 years. The study analysed data from 3,808 individuals participating in military physical fitness programs over a 10-year period.
The condition affects about 10% of people at some point during their lives.
Occurence
PF typically occurs between 30–50 years old with a peak incidence around 40–45 years old. Women are more likely than men to develop this problem. Plantar Fasciitis has been found to affect as many as 50 percent of runners who have had it before they quit running.
The pain can be so severe that patients will not even walk on their heels for fear of further injury. This condition usually starts out mild but becomes progressively worse over time.
Treatment Options
Treatment options include rest, stretching exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, Osteopathy, Acupuncture, shoe modifications, or surgery.
Plantar fasciitis (PF) is one of the most common reasons for heel pain in adults
What Causes Plantar Fascitis?
- tight calf muscles
- high arches
- flat feet
- obesity
- diabetes mellitus
- Excess Running
- Poor footwear
Ways to Stop Plantar Fascitis
If you are suffering with Plantar Fasciitis, then the best thing to do is to stop running. It might be difficult at first, but after a few days you will feel great again. There are also other ways to prevent or stop Plantar Fasciitis. You can wear supportive shoes with inserts for arch support and avoid tight-fitting shoes that restrict your toes from moving freely. You can also learn stretching exercises to stretch your foot muscles and calves which will help keep your feet in good working order.
Finally
Don’t despair Osteopathy often with the addition of Acupuncture can help your heel pain get better quickly.