Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain and it is caused by inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, which joins the heel and the toes. Typical symptoms include heel pain first thing in the morning, and this stabbing pain usually decreases after walking a little, yet it can be extremely uncomfortable for the sufferer. Plantar fasciitis is common among long distance runners, who are repeatedly pushing their entire body weight onto the soles of the feet, while it can also affect overweight people.
Inadequate Support
Wearing the wrong type of shoes can cause the onset of plantar fasciitis, which is why many people wear plantar fasciitis insoles that help spread the weight and support the arch, which results in less pressure bearing down on the tissue. As a general rule, the pain recedes within a short time and a few hours of inactivity (when you are sleeping) causes the foot tissue to relax and when you stand up first thing in the morning, the stabbing pain is at its worst. Walking around for a while normally takes the pain away, as the tissue and tendons warm up and do their job, which is to support the arch.
Long Periods of Standing
If your job involves standing for long periods, you are more prone to plantar fasciitis, and sometimes the pain begins towards the end of a long day, which is a sign to at least sit down and take the weight off your feet. The cause of this painful condition is an overworked arch, which might be caused by standing for long periods or possibly running, which does put extreme pressure on the soles of the feet.
Potential Causes
While there are no definite causes of this condition, you are more likely to suffer plantar fasciitis if you:
• Aged between 40 – 60.
• Partake in running, jumping or dancing activities.
• Have an issue with your arches – flat feet or high arches.
• Are overweight.
• Spend long periods standing.
It might be a combination of some of the above that leads to this painful condition, and it usually comes on gradually, getting worse over a period of weeks or even months.
Treatments
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, there are a few treatment options, which include the following:
• Cortisone Steroid injections – “When cortisone in injected directly into the heel, the results are very quick, as the anti-inflammatory properties of the cortisone immediately take effect.
• Shockwave Therapy – Therapeutic waves can be directed at the affected area, which will result in less pain, and the therapy boosts the natural healing process. Â The course of treatment would typically run for several months, and by reducing the pressure that is exerted onto the heel by avoiding certain activities, at least until the issue is resolved.
• Orthotic Insoles – There are special orthotic insoles you can buy, which add a new layer of sole support, and these are very effective as they allow the arches to rest, while taking up much of the essential foot support. There are online suppliers of specialist devices such as this, and all it takes to find a supplier is a Google search.
If you are experiencing a sharp pain in your heels, you are advised to seek medical assistance, and should you require some support insoles, they can easily be purchased online. The problem might be caused by incorrect walking or standing, and if you have an extreme hobby that puts a lot of pressure onto the soles of your feet, reduce the amount of time you spend doing these activities and the problem should go away.
