1) The Plantar Fascia Is a Ligament at the Bottom of the Heel
The plantar fascia is a thick band of ligaments located at the bottom of the foot, near the heel. It connects the heel to the toes. Excessive wear and tear of the plantar fascia can result in a painful inflammation of the ligaments, which is called plantar fasciitis.
2) Heel Pain Is the Most Common Symptom of Plantar Fasciitis
Although plantar fasciitis affects the entire foot, heel pain is the most common sign that a person may have plantar fasciitis. Other symptoms include pain in the heel arch, swelling at the bottom of the heel, and frequent bouts of foot pain, especially in the mornings.
3) Plantar Fasciitis Affects Athletes More Than Any Other Type of Person
When we walk or run, we create stress on our heels and in turn on the plantar fascia. Over time, this repetitive stretching and contracting of the plantar fascia can lead to severe injury to the area. This makes athletes, especially those involved in sports that include a lot of running, the most prone to this condition.
4) The Shape of Your Foot Can Make You Vulnerable to Plantar Fasciitis
People with high heel arches and flat feet are more vulnerable to plantar fasciitis. Their unique foot anatomy adds additional burden on the heel, which affects the plantar fascia ligament.
5) Plantar Warts Can Worsen Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar warts are small growths that occur on the plantar region of the foot, near the sole and heel. They occur when the foot comes in direct contact with the human papilloma virus. While most plantar warts aren’t very dangerous, they can be quite painful to walk on.
In severe cases, the warts may press down upon the nerves of the foot or the inflamed ligaments in the plantar region, making you more vulnerable to plantar fasciitis or even worsening an existing condition.
6) You Can Treat Plantar Fasciitis at Home
If untreated, plantar fasciitis may result in permanent disability. Luckily, minor cases of plantar fasciitis can be treated at home.
Icing the affected foot can help relieve the compression experienced in the heel and reduce pain and swelling; OTC medication can achieve the same effects. Adequate rest and steering clear of exercise allows your foot to recover from the stress it has been experiencing.
7) Severe Plantar Fasciitis Require Medical Help to Treat
If home remedies don’t work, doctors prescribe heel splints, orthotic shoes, walking sticks, and physical therapy to patients. Corticosteroid injection therapy may also be recommended to bring down the inflammation. In extreme cases, when non-surgical methods don’t work, your doctor may recommend a plantar fascia release surgery or a gastrocnemius recession surgery.
8) Recurrence Is Common in Patients
Once you’re affected by plantar fasciitis, your heel becomes weaker and more vulnerable to this condition. This means you have to be more careful and have your foot checked by a doctor the moment you experience heel pain. Changing the way you walk/run will help reduce the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis.
Schedule a Consultation for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
If you’re suffering from heel pain, you may be suffering from plantar fasciitis. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for treatment.