Do you ever get foot pain? Plantar fasciitis (pronounced fash-ee-eye-tis) is a condition in which you experience pain in your plantar fascia - the tendon that connects your heel to your toes. The pain is most notably felt when you step on your foot after a night of rest. You may feel like you are unable to put any pressure on your foot. In addition, plantar fasciitis, if not treated, can become a chronic condition. It is therefore important to know what causes this condition and how best to prevent it.
About Plantar Fasciitis
Generally, plantar fasciitis is caused by an overuse of your plantar fascia. Those who tend to be susceptible to the condition are usually overweight, or women (due to the shoes they wear), as well as runners who wear shoes that are too new, or too old, whereby the foot is not properly supported. This puts excess pressure on the plantar fascia.
Nevertheless, the condition is treatable. Though it is not easy to fix a condition that has become chronic, as surgical assistance may be required at this point in time.
Treatment Options
Plantar fasciitis requires a 6-week treatment plan, which consists of daily icing (use an ice pack), stretching, NSAID therapy, strapping and taping as well as over-the-counter orthoses. Other important aspects to consider are seeking counseling in how you can alter your activity, as well as seeing to shoe gear which is especially important for preventing a relapse. If after six weeks you see no difference, additional treatment would include a night splint and possibly, an injection, along with the initial regimen for a further six weeks.
Prevention
A variety of stretches can be performed to prevent plantar fasciitis. One important stretch includes the runners stretch, in which you brace yourself against a bar, table or wall with your right foot in front of you and your left foot behind you. This will stretch your calf muscles deeply. Ballet exercises such as flexing or pointing your toes as well as warming up the muscle groups in your ankle and feet on a regular basis can provide great relief too.
Take a look at this simple stretching exercise for plantar fasciitis:
Images: depositphotos.com
Go to BabaMail
