What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot that connects the heel bone to the toes. It is designed to support the arch of your foot and absorb shock when you walk. When too much tension and stress is put on the plantar fascia it can damage or tear the tissue, causing inflammation.
Plantar fasciitis symptoms include:
- Pain on the bottom of the foot, at the front or center of the heel bone
- Pain is generally worse in the morning when taking your first steps
- Pain when on your feet for long periods of time, or standing after sitting for long periods of time
- Pain after exercising
Plantar fasciitis treatment:
- Rest
- Stretching
- Icing the area
- Night splints
- Supportive shoes or inserts
- Taking pain-relieving anti-inflammatories
- Physical therapy
Some potential risk factors include:
- If you are female
- 40 to 60 years old
- Obesity
- Flat feet or high arches
- Tight Achilles tendons, or “heel cords”
- Having an unusual walk or foot position
- Often wearing high-heeled shoes
- Spending many hours standing each day
- Wearing worn-out shoes with thin soles
- Repetitive impact activities (running/sports)
