Plantar Fasciitis
What is it?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament found at the bottom of the foot.
What causes it?
The plantar fascia is a ligament that forms the foot’s arch that can stretch to certain lengths and allow some ankle movements. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the ligament is overstretched, overused or due to a medical condition.
Some of the risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:
Sports that strain the arch such as running, long walking or aerobics
Use of unsupportive footwear with little to no arch support such as flat shoes
Being middle-aged or old-aged
Being overweight
Pregnancy
Symptoms
Here are some of the common symptoms of plantar fasciitis:Pain in the heel or arch of the foot
Pain when starting to walk after periods of rest (e.g. after sitting or waking up in the morning)
Pain when walking barefoot on hard surfaces
Mild swelling under the foot
Difficulty standing, walking or running
Treatments
Pain relief medication
A physiotherapist will direct to specific stretching exercises to relieve the strain on the foot arch.
Orthotics including arches and heel pads for your shoes may be recommended to support your arches.
A steroid injection may be recommended for severe cases.
Surgery is also for severe cases.
Prevention
Wear shoes that have heel cushioning and arch support.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Do regular calf stretches.
