Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: causes and treatment options

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most frequent disorders that cause heel discomfort. It causes inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick, fibrous band of tissue that runs down the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia connects to the heel bone (calcaneus) and the base of the toes. It supports the arch of the foot and plays a vital function in appropriate foot mechanics when walking.

When you apply weight on your foot, such as by standing, tension or stress in the plantar fascia increases. When you push off with the ball of your foot and toes, the tension rises. Both of these movements occur during typical walking or running. 

Source: SemanticScholar

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is distinguished by pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the sole of your foot and links your heel bone to your toes. Understanding the causes and treatment options for plantar fasciitis is critical for controlling the disease and increasing overall quality of life.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is often caused by overuse or strain on the plantar fascia. This syndrome can be caused by a variety of situations, including:

1. Overuse and High-impact Activities: Activities that put too much strain on the foot, such as long-distance jogging, ballet dancing, or aerobic dance, can cause plantar fasciitis. Repetitive impact can develop small tears in the plantar fascia, resulting in inflammation and pain.
2. Foot Structure: Certain foot structures, such as flat feet or high arches, might increase the possibility of plantar fasciitis. Abnormal foot mechanics can change how weight is transferred across the foot, putting more strain on the plantar fascia.
3. Age: Plantar fasciitis is most common in those aged 40 to 60. As we age, the plantar fascia loses elasticity and becomes more vulnerable to damage.
4. Obesity: Excess body weight puts additional strain on the plantar fascia, raising the possibility of inflammation and discomfort. Maintaining a healthy weight can lower the risk of getting plantar fasciitis.
5. Occupational Risks: Jobs that demand extended standing or walking on hard surfaces might lead to plantar fasciitis. Occupations such as teaching, manufacturing, and retail might raise the chance of acquiring this illness.
6. Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes with inadequate support or cushioning can increase stress on the plantar fascia. High heels, flip-flops, and worn-out shoes are typical causes.

Symptoms of Plantar fasciitis

The primary symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp, stabbing pain on the sole of the foot around the heel. The pain is often most intense while taking the first steps in the morning or after a period of rest. As the day continues and the foot warms up, the discomfort may go away, but it may return after longer periods of standing or walking.

• Additional symptoms include: Stiffness: The foot may feel stiff and tight, particularly after prolonged inactivity.
• Tenderness: The bottom of the heel or the arch of the foot may be sensitive to the touch.
• Swelling: Mild swelling may develop in the affected region.

Diagnosis

Plantar fasciitis can be diagnosed by a healthcare professional after reviewing your medical history and doing a physical examination. They may push on the heel to determine the specific area of the discomfort and check for sensitivity or swelling. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or an MRI, may be required to rule out other medical conditions, such as stress fractures or arthritis.

Treatment Options

The purpose of treating plantar fasciitis is to reduce inflammation, relieve discomfort, and promote recovery. Several therapy approaches are viable, ranging from conservative measures to more complex procedures.

1. Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that worsen the condition is important. Resting the injured foot and avoiding high-impact workouts will assist to reduce further strain on the plantar fascia.
2. Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the afflicted region for 15-20 minutes many times a day will help decrease inflammation and relieve discomfort.
3. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Exercises that target the calf muscles and plantar fascia can help increase flexibility and reduce strain. Strengthening exercises for the foot and ankle muscles can also help with support and stability.
4. Footwear and Orthotics: Wearing shoes with sufficient arch support and cushioning might help relieve strain on the plantar fascia. Custom orthotic inserts can help give extra support and rectify aberrant foot mechanics.
5. Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can help alleviate pain and inflammation.
6. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can create a tailored treatment plan for plantar fasciitis that includes stretching, strengthening, and manual therapy techniques.
7. Night Splints: Wearing a night splint can assist keep the foot in a dorsiflexed position, stretching the plantar fascia and encouraging healing while sleeping. 
8. Corticosteroid Injections: When conservative therapy fail to relieve severe pain, corticosteroid injections may be tried. These injections may give brief comfort by lowering inflammation.
9. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): It uses sound waves to induce healing in the plantar fascia. This non-invasive technique may be useful for persistent plantar fasciitis.
10. Surgery: Surgery is often used as a last option when other therapies have failed. Plantar fascia release and gastrocnemius recession are two procedures that may help with stress and pain relief.

Prevention

To prevent plantar fasciitis, maintain healthy behaviors and take actions to lessen tension on the feet:

• Maintaining a healthy weight might help reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
• Choose shoes with strong arch support and cushioning, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet.
• Stretching your calf muscles and plantar fascia on a regular basis will help you stay flexible and avoid stiffness.
• When beginning a new workout regimen, gradually increase the intensity and duration to avoid overuse injuries.
• If your profession needs you to stand for lengthy periods of time, take regular breaks and redistribute your weight.

Plantar fasciitis may be a painful medical condition, but with the right understanding and therapy, it is possible to relieve pain and encourage recovery. Individuals may take proactive actions to manage plantar fasciitis and preserve foot health by addressing the underlying causes, implementing preventative measures, and researching various treatment choices. If you believe you have plantar fasciitis, see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and a customized treatment plan.