What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Our feet are probably the most used but most ignored parts of our body. During the day, an average person will spend about 12 to 14 hours on his/her feet. Because the feet are used so much in daily activities, it is not surprising that the feet may become injured from time to time. Approximately 75% of people around the world suffer from foot pain at some stage in their lives. Foot pain can really affect a person’s daily activity. One of the most common cause of foot pain is plantar fasciitis.

The plantar fascia is a thick band of fibrous tissue found underneath the foot. It attaches to the calcaneous bone or heel bone to the metatarsals for the feet. It is responsible for maintaining the arch of the foot and acts like a shock absorber. Plantar fasciitis occurs because of extreme stress to the foot, causing micro injuries to the plantar fascia, making it inflamed and tender causing mild to severe foot pain.

Symptoms

•  Pain is worst when taking first steps after long rest like taking the first step when getting out of bed in the morning or after a long drive.
• Pain is felt underneath the foot
• Pain lessens upon using the foot, but pain may then gradually increase.
• Resting eases the pain
• Stretching the underside of the foot can be painful

Causes

• People who are runners, sprinters or engaged in any sport that involve tremendous stress to the foot
• Obese people commonly have plantar fasciitis
• The use of wrong footwear

Treatment

• Rest – resting the foot is the primary goal in treating plantar fasciitis. This allows the micro injuries to heal. Depending on the severity, it will take a few days to several months to treat plantar fasciitis.
• Ice - applying cold stimuli can help reduce pain and swelling.
• Compress – applying an elastic bandage help decrease the swelling and it immobilizes the foot for faster healing
• Elevate – elevating the foot above the heart is a good way to reduce swelling. This will prevent pooling for fluids to the affected foot.

Common Causes Of Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. This is due to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a strong fibrous tissue found underneath the foot and connects to the calcaneus or heel bone to the metatarsals of the feet. 

If you experience heel pain when you take your first steps in the morning of after standing for long periods of time, then probably plantar fasciitis is the most probable cause. Plantar fasciitis also causes arch pain.

Heel spurs which are abnormal growths or protrusions of bone on the bottom of the heel bone, may cause foot pain when walking or standing. Heel spurs are commonly seen in people who suffer from plantar fasciitis, but heel spurs do not cause plantar fasciitis. If you have high arches or flat feet, then most probably you are suffering from heel spurs.

A fracture of the heel bone is most often caused by high impacts to the heel, typically a fall from high ground. Pain, swelling, bruising, limping and difficulty walking are all signs of a fractured foot.

A stone bruise is due to bruising of the fat pad of the heel. This occurs after stepping on a pebble or a small stone or any hard object. The heel may not change color  after the bruise. Pain reduces and disappears with rest.

Heel Pain Treatments

For Plantar fasciitis: RICE method

1.       Rest

2.       Ice

3.       Compress

4.       Elevate

For heel spurs:

1.       Custom made inserts

2.       Cut out heel pads

3.       Pain relievers

4.       Rest

5.       Surgery

For heel fractures

1.       Rest

2.       Padding or casting of the heel

3.       Pain relievers

4.       Surgery

Is Plantar Fasciitis Causing Your Heel Pain?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the common causes of heel pain. Pain is typically felt bellow the foot and can vary from mild to severe and can be debilitating. 

The structure involved is called the plantar fascia, a strong ligament that attaches below the calcaneous or heel bone to the metatarsals of the foot. The plantar fascia is responsible for maintaining the arch of the foot, which is very important part of the foot's biomechanics. Because of this, the plantar fascia is under constant pressure when standing, walking, or running. This is also the reason why this structure easily gets injured.

When the plantar fascia gets strained, micro injuries form which may irritate the ligament and cause swelling.  Pain is typically felt underneath the foot and is common among people who are middle aged. This is due to wear and tear, use of improper footwear, being overweight, or in athletes like runners, sprinters,and the like.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is intense or stabbing pain felt underneath the foot when taking the first steps getting out of bed or after sitting for long periods of time. Pain usually subsides after the foot gets adjusted to the activity, but pain can be experienced after long periods of standing, or when using the stairs.

Diagnosis

To diagnose plantar fasciitis, a physician or podiatrist will check your feet and will observe you while you walk or stand. He or she may ask you how active you are and what type of physical activities you do, what time of day the pain occurs and how intensive the pain is. Another way of diagnosing plantar fasciitis is by pressing directly into the center of the heel.

Treatment

There are several ways of treating plantar fasciitis without resorting into invasive treatments. One commonly recommended treatment is the use of a rigid orthotics which helps support the foot. Other simple management methods like wearing the right type of shoes, which also provide arch support, and allowing the foot to rest.