Plantar fasciitis develops gradually over time and typically occurs in just one foot, although it is not unheard of to experience it concurrently in both feet. Typically, you will feel a stabbing pain with your first few steps of the morning, just out of bed. You may also feel the piercing pain when you rise on your feet from a sitting position or even after extended periods of standing around. Some people even look for sharp rocks in their shoe because that is what the sensation in the heel feels like.
The plantar fascia is a natural shock absorber in the body, supporting the arches in your feet. When you put undue stress on it through running, wearing bad shoes or weight problems, tiny tears can occur in the tissue. The repeated stress of tearing and stretching causes the pain and inflammation in the heel. Armchair doctors like friends and family may refer to the pain as a heel spur. However, only an x-ray can show the presence of added bone growth in the heel, which is what a heel spur really is.
Treatment needs to include Extra-Corporeal Shock Wave Therapy as the best treatment for long-term / chronic plantar fasciitis to help those with long term problems who have tried other treatments with no improvement.Once testing is completed to rule out other health problems such as a heel spur, pinched nerve or stress fracture, treatment can commence. Because this foot condition is one of the most prevalent complaints with podiatrists and orthopaedic specialists, it is also one of the easiest to treat.
Over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can help with pain and inflammation. In addition, corticosteroids may be used in some instances, although it is not a preferred treatment. Physical therapy is common to help you strengthen the muscles in your lower legs as well as your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. Orthotics such as night splints may be fitted to your feet and calves which help hold the plantar fascia and Achilles in a stretched position. Other foot orthotics that can be inserted into your shoes are yet another option to treat this painful heel problem.
