Plantar Fasciitis - A Foot Pain Like No Other
by Jeff Foster

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain seen by orthopedic physicians today and once you experience the unique pain of plantar fasciitis you will never forget it.

Affecting both men and women, plantar fasciitis is a condition of the plantar fascia which is the broad, flat, ligament-like band that runs along the bottom of the foot connecting the bottom of the heel to the toes. The purpose of this band is to support the arch of the foot. When the plantar fascia becomes strained or swollen or inflamed then plantar fasciitis and the heel pain it brings along with it develops. Plantar fasciitis is commonly seen in people who exercise heavily, particularly runners and employees who have jobs requiring quite a bit of walking or standing, especially if those jobs take place on hard surfaces. Others who may be at higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis are those who are obese or even those who have gained weight related to pregnancies. Plantar fasciitis pain occurs most frequently first thing in the morning, specifically with the first step out of bed or even taking that first step after standing in one place for a long time or with that first step after sitting for a prolonged period of time.

Most of those suffering with plantar fascitis usually report some relief from pain following activity, like the plantar fascia is “loosening up” or even “warming up” but then the heel pain returns with a vengeance after being up and on the feet either standing or walking.

Talk about impacting your lifestyle…plantar fasciitis can certainly do it.

The complete resolution of plantar fasciitis can take a full year for some patients.

Even a large majority of sufferers report continued pain even six months after diagnosis. But the good news is that the majority of sufferers do recover without surgery.

The goal of plantar fascitis treatment is to allow the plantar fascia to heal, specifically treatment focuses on reducing the inflammation and pain in the heel, improving the strength and flexibility of the foot, allowing the small tears in the plantar fascia to heal, and ultimately get back to your normal life.

Treatment options include night splints, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections into the heel, ice, good shoes, orthotics, stretching exercises, physical therapy and ultrasound therapy.

Plantar fascitis is painful and even though conservative, non-surgical treatments can resolve the pain and inflammation it can take up to one year for complete resolution of this condition.

Don’t get discouraged, just do the work to get your life back!