Plantar fasciitis - its reason for development and treatment 26th Dec 2022

 

What is plantar fasciitis?

Nowadays Plantar fasciitis has become a common problem in middle-aged people. Inflammation in the plantar fascia in the foot is the most common cause of heel pain or plantar fasciitis.

The plantar fascia is a strong, fibrous attachment just like a ligament that runs from your heel to the ball of your foot and your toes. It's stretchable like a thick rubber band. The plantar fascia connects the bones in your foot together and forms the arch shape on the bottom of your foot.

Plantar fasciitis happens when your plantar fascia is used too much or stretched too far. Anything that damages your plantar fascia can make it surge. This inflammation makes walking or using your foot pain. Most people experience plantar fasciitis on one foot at a time, but it can affect both feet gradually.

Reason

Even though plantar fasciitis can evolve without an evident cause, some factors can increase your risk of developing this condition, such as:

Age

Active men and women between the ages of 40 and 70 are at the highest threat of developing plantar fasciitis.

Certain types of exercise

Actions that place a lot of stress on your heel and attached tissue — just like long-distance running, ballet dancing, and aerobic dance — can proceed to the beginning of plantar fasciitis.

Foot mechanics

Flat feet, a high arch, or even an abnormal pattern of walking can affect the way the weight is distributed when you're standing and can put added stress on the plantar fascia.

Obesity

Excess weight puts extra stress on your heels as well as the plantar fascia.

Occupations

Factory workers, teachers, and others who have to spend most of their working hours walking or standing on hard surfaces can be at advanced risk of plantar fasciitis.

Who gets it?

Plantar fasciitis is likely to develop as a result of overstretching or overuse of this ligament, also a tear or small tears in the fascia tissue can cause pain. Your foot structure can also be prone to develop plantar fasciitis.

It’s slightly more common in women than men. Particularly during late pregnancy, pregnant women often experience bouts of plantar fasciitis.

How physiotherapy helps

Physiotherapy can help with plantar fasciitis by applying a range of different treatments, to target the factors contributing to the pain. It is important to diagnose in proper time and management of plantar fasciitis. An accurate diagnosis is necessary to ensure a successful result. Treatment is largely conditional on what is found during your assessment, however, a combined approach is normally accepted. The exercises provided by physical therapists are a long-term solution that helps you avoid surgery and dependency on medication to find relief. Treatments proposed by physical therapists include stretching exercises to improve movement in your ankle and the plantar fascia. You may also get routines to improve flexibility in your calf, which can contribute to inflammation of the heel. physical treatment may include:

  • Orthotics

  • Electrotherapy

  • Soft Tissue Treatment

  • Stretching programs

Nonsurgical treatment

Healthcare providers will suggest alternatives for relieving your symptoms and supporting your feet to reduce the chances you’ll have to encounter plantar fasciitis again in the future.

The most common treatments for plantar fasciitis include:

Over-the-counter NSAIDs: NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen lessen pain and inflammation. However, NSAIDs should not be taken for more than 10 days in a row without consulting a healthcare provider.

Rest:

Take a recess from playing sports or participating in the physical activity that caused the plantar fasciitis for at least a week if possible.

Icing your foot:

It is useful to Ice your foot for 10 to 15 minutes, twice a day. Cover a frozen water bottle in a thin towel to save your skin, then roll it along the bottom of your foot to massage the inflammation.

Wearing supportive shoes:

Always wear sturdy, well-cushioned shoes. Don’t wear sandals, flip-flops, or other flat shoes outside your home without built-in arch support. Don’t walk with bare feet.

Orthotics or shoe inserts:

You can add helpful inserts into your shoes that count as extra arch support. Your provider will suggest whether pre-made inserts you can buy over-the-counter or custom-made orthotics that are molded to the exact shape of your foot.

Immobilization:

Wearing a walking boot or walking cast or a pneumatic cam walker for a few weeks will retain your foot in place and take pressure off your plantar fascia. Your provider will advise you how long you’ll need to wear a boot.

How can it be prevented

The best way to prevent plantar fasciitis is to avoid maximum use of your feet. In general:

  • Stretch before and after exercise.

  • Give your feet enough time to rest and recover after intense activity or exercise.

  • Wear supportive shoes.

  • Don’t walk barefoot on hard surfaces.

  • Replace your sneakers every six to nine months or after you’ve walked or run between 250 and 500 miles in them whichever is earlier.

VL Therapy, a popular physiotherapy center in Malaysia works successfully with hundreds of patients with various difficulties and is dedicated to providing a world-class service for every individual. A team of experienced educated and professional physiotherapists is providing various modern treatment plans for plantar fasciitis to make all patients regain their health as per the need for looking not just at the immediate, but also to ensure that the relief becomes sustainable. To know more about the services please visit the official website http://www.vltherapy.com.my/