What is plantar fasciitis?
The first thing you might do when you get home from a long day is take off your shoes. But should you be putting them back on? That sharp pull in the bottom of your foot may be caused by walking around barefoot, even in your home.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the fascia band at the base of the heel, connecting the heel bone to the toes. This can be a result of not wearing shoes, morphology of the feet or strain from distance running and jumping. All of these cause the foot to change in shape, adding to the excess stress in the area.
Who is affected by plantar fasciitis?
A common misconception is that only extremely active individuals experience this heel pain, but anyone who is not completely sedentary may begin to feel this pain, especially between the ages of 40 and 60. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, marathon runner or just enjoy an evening walk after dinner, over time, you can develop plantar fasciitis.
What are the symptoms?
The pain may not be present during exercise or while walking and standing, but it becomes more intense following these activities. You may also notice pain being worst in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time.
How can you relieve the pain?
There are simple methods to treating plantar fasciitis. Stretching is the most effective way to lessen the pulling sensation in the heel. The fascia needs to be lengthened to avoid the abrupt pulls. Using orthotics or other inserts for arch support may also relieve the pain. Icing the irritated area may also lessen the inflammation and reduce pain. Some individuals are resistant to treatment and should talk to their physician about next steps for pain relief.
Why is it so common?
One theory is that people have become more aware of the need to exercise, leading to more people incorporating running or walking into their daily schedule. They may not be wearing proper shoes that have enough support for the arch, making them more prone to plantar fasciitis.
Said Atway is a podiatrist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
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