WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia).
Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As you get up and move, the pain normally decreases, but it might return after long periods of standing or when you stand up after sitting.
Plantar fasciitis is more common in runners. People who are overweight and those who wear shoes with inadequate support also have an increased risk of plantar fasciitis.
SYMPTOMS
Plantar fasciitis typically causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel. The pain is usually the worst with the first few steps after awakening, although it can also be triggered by long periods of standing or when you get up after sitting. The pain is usually worse after exercise, not during it.
CAUSES
Your plantar fascia is in the shape of a bowstring, supporting the arch of your foot and absorbing shock when you walk. If tension and stress on this bowstring become too great, small tears can occur in the fascia. Repeated stretching and tearing can irritate or inflame the fascia, although the cause remains unclear in many cases of plantar fasciitis.
RISK FACTORS
Even though plantar fasciitis can develop without an obvious cause, some factors can increase your risk of developing this condition. They include:
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Age. Plantar fasciitis is most common between the ages of 40 and 60.
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Certain types of exercise. Activities that place a lot of stress on your heel and attached tissue — such as long-distance running, ballet dancing and aerobic dance — can contribute to the onset of plantar fasciitis.
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Foot mechanics. Flat feet, a high arch or even an abnormal pattern of walking can affect the way weight is distributed when you're standing and can put added stress on the plantar fascia.
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Obesity. Excess pounds put extra stress on your plantar fascia.
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Occupations that keep you on your feet. Factory workers, teachers and others who spend most of their work hours walking or standing on hard surfaces can damage the plantar fascia.
TREATMENT
STEP 1: REDUCE INFLAMMATION
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Ice (Massaging with a frozen Dixie Cup or water bottle works well)
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Topical Anti-Inflammatory
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Anti-Inflammatory (NSAID)
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Soft Arch Supports
STEP 2: BREAK UP SCAR TISSUE/STRETCH
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Deep tissue massage every third day
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Roll a Foot Rubz ball (preferable and available for $6) or a golf/tennis ball regularly
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Stretch calves and feet; light scraping for calves to release tension on the heel
STEP 3: STRENGTHEN
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Start with 30 seconds of barefoot running/walking on soft, natural surfaces and add 30 seconds every day or two.
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Place a dish towel on the ground, place your foot on top and pull the towel toward you by crinkling up your toes.
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Pick up objects off the floor with your toes
Note: The goal is to inversely fade out the the need for support while slowly fading in foot strengthening, thus making the foot strong and independent.
Stay away from being barefoot on hard, flat surfaces until feet are strong enough to handle it.
Feet have been weakened by years of overly supportive shoes and arch support, it will take some time to get feet strong enough to reverse those effects.
In many cases, devices like the Strassburg Sock drastically reduce the first-step-in-the-morning pain.
Continue strengthening/barefoot running once or twice a week.
*Always consult with your medical professional. We do not claim to be medical professionals, these are observations of things that we have seen to work in our own experience. These are here for your own personal knowledge and study not for any medical diagnosis.
REFERENCE:
Mayo Clinic Staff (2019, December 11). Plantar Fasciitis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354846