Up to 87% of people experience foot pain at some point during their lives. Foot pain can be highly disruptive, even if it's minor, and one common cause of foot pain is plantar fasciitis.
But what is plantar fasciitis, and how would you know if you have it? Chiropodists in Oshawa, Ontario have those answers and more. Read on to learn all about this foot condition.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
First, what is plantar fasciitis anyway? And on that note, what causes it?
If you have heel pain, plantar fasciitis may be the culprit. As a matter of fact, it's the most common cause of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of your plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot to support your arch and connect your heel to your toes.
You'll likely notice the pain as soon as you get out of bed in the morning, but it tends to go away with movement.
So what causes plantar fasciitis? In many cases, there's no clear cause. In theory, small tears in the plantar fascia cause inflammation and pain, but it isn't always from a direct and obvious source.
People who are on their feet all day at work and who are between the ages of 40 and 80 are also more likely to develop it. People with high arches may also find that they put too much stress on the plantar fascia, causing inflammation. Other contributing factors include weight gain, running on uneven terrains or trauma.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
So how do you know if you have plantar fasciitis?
Pain is the primary symptom, and it's hard to miss. When you first get out of bed, you may feel a sharp and stabbing pain on the bottom of your foot, close to your heel.
As you move through your day, the pain will subside, but it may get worse if you're standing still for long periods of time or if you stand up after sitting for a while.
While the pain will go away throughout the day, it will come back every morning. This is how you know that it's plantar fasciitis instead of a temporary injury.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
For most people, conservative at-home treatment is enough to treat plantar fasciitis. This means resting the affected area, using ice, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Gentle stretching can also be helpful.
Your Chiropodist may also recommend other therapies. They can work with you to stretch and strengthen your feet to ease the pain and prevent future problems. Cold laser therapy has been successful in reducing heel pain as well.
They may recommend that you use custom-made orthotics, orthopaedic footwear, night splints, or even mobility aids (like crutches) while you heal. These things can all take some of the stress off of your feet.
In rare cases, more serious methods may be necessary. Shockwave therapy, ultrasonic tissue repair, and steroid injections are all minimally invasive and can help. In very rare cases, surgery may be required.
Chiropodists in Oshawa, Ontario Can Help With Your Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can disrupt your life. If you've been experiencing foot pain, and you think plantar fasciitis is the culprit, it's time to reach out to Chiropodists in Oshawa, Ontario for help.
At Qureshy Foot & Orthotic Clinic, we can help ease your pain, and new patients are always welcome. Contact us for an appointment today.