If one is facing sudden pain bout in heels, then it could be plantar fasciitis. It is better to get the issue checked by the experts before it goes out of hand. Plantar fasciitis is a problem that arises from the plantar fascia which a type of ligament commenting the front of the foot to the heels. It is highly crucial for supporting the arch and also for absorbing the shocks so that one can walk properly. In this plantar fascia tends to get inflamed causing pain. Plantar fasciitis can happen at any age, and one can treat it with doctor’s consultation. One can also minimize the discomfort and pain by choosing the right shoes for heel pain.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is quite common in women especially between the ages of 40-70 years. However, having said that, men too can get plantar fasciitis at any age. Also, pregnant women tend to face this problem, especially during the last trimester.
The main cause of plantar fasciitis that doctors could come to think of, excessive and continuous pressure on the plantar fascia. From excessive weight gain to running, to due to standing for long hours every day, it can be caused due to anything. Also having any kind of structural problem of the feet or wearing the wrong type of shoes can cause plantar fasciitis.
Signs of plantar fasciitis
Some of the things that can tell if one has plantar fasciitis are:
- Heel pain
- Midfoot bottom pain
- Burning sensations in the bottom of the foot towards the heel
- Morning hobbling
- Heel stiffness
Treating plantar fasciitis
After getting diagnosed, the doctors tend to suggest proper rest of the feet. Usually, the problem goes away after a few weeks. One will have to ice the area and take anti-inflammation drugs to cope with pain and discomfort. Also, in some cases the problem can be a bit too much, the doctors might suggest braces and corticosteroid injections.
Physical therapy is also a must in all the cases, to stretch the tissues and ligaments in the lower leg. Therapy will help the patient to understand how to lessen pressure on the fascia. In serious cases, doctors also suggest extracorporeal shock wave treatment.
Shoes for plantar fasciitis
In plantar fasciitis, the main thing that one should keep in mind is that the heel and feet should get proper support so that it can heal. In many cases, this problem can last for months, and that is when finding the right shoes for heel pain become an issue.
One should find shapes that give proper support to the fascia by holding the arch up causing less stress in turn. The support shoes tend to have denser and thicker layers of the sole foam to provide support.
These days one can find shoes of varying types from dress shoes to running shoes, designed only for plantar fasciitis. One can also opt for insoles of the shoes which are for arch support.
