Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue on the sole of your foot. This ligament runs from your heel bone to your toes, supports the arch of your foot, and absorbs stress and pressure.

Morning pain: The most common symptom is a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel with the first steps out of bed. The pain may subside with walking but often returns after long periods of rest.
Stiffness: The foot may feel stiff, especially after sitting for a while.
Arch and heel pain: You may feel an ache or burning sensation in the arch of your foot.
Swelling: Some people experience swelling around the heel.
Pain with activity: The pain can worsen after prolonged periods of standing, walking, or exercise.

The condition is caused by excessive stress and strain on the plantar fascia. Common risk factors include:

Age: It is most common in middle-aged adults, but it can affect younger people as well.
Foot structure: Having flat feet or very high arches can unevenly distribute weight and stress on the fascia.
Occupation: Jobs that require long hours of standing or walking on hard surfaces, such as teachers or nurses, increase the risk.
Weight: Being overweight or obese puts extra pressure on the feet.
High-impact activities: Sports like running, dancing, or aerobic exercise can cause repetitive strain.
Tight muscles: Limited flexibility in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon adds stress to the plantar fascia.
Improper footwear: Shoes with inadequate arch support, thin soles, or those that are worn out can make the condition worse.

No, they are different conditions, but they can be related. A heel spur is a bony growth on the heel bone that can develop as a result of the ongoing stress and inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis. However, many people have heel spurs without any pain, and many people with plantar fasciitis do not have heel spurs.

Most cases can be managed with conservative, at-home treatments:
Rest: Reduce or modify activities that aggravate the pain.
Ice: Roll the bottom of your foot over a frozen water bottle for 15–20 minutes to reduce inflammation.
Stretching: Regularly stretch your plantar fascia and calf muscles. A doctor or physical therapist can recommend specific exercises.
Supportive footwear: Wear shoes with good arch support and cushioned heels. Avoid going barefoot on hard surfaces.
Orthotics: Over-the-counter or custom-made shoe inserts can help distribute pressure more evenly.
Night splints: Wearing a splint while sleeping can help keep the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon stretched, reducing morning pain.
Anti-inflammatory medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help with pain and swelling.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can guide you through a targeted exercise program.

Consult a doctor if:
Pain is severe or does not improve after a week of self-care.
Pain worsens despite rest, ice, and stretching.
Numbness, tingling, or a visible change in gait are also experienced.

Yes, most cases of plantar fasciitis can be resolved completely. With consistent and correct treatment, many people recover within a few months, though some cases may take longer. Surgery is rarely needed and is typically reserved for severe, chronic cases that haven't responded to other treatments.

Doctors can typically diagnose plantar fasciitis by discussing your symptoms and performing a physical examination of your foot. They may check for tenderness and limited ankle flexibility. Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs are sometimes used to rule out other problems, such as stress fractures, but are not always necessary

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