Ever experienced sharp pain in your heel while walking? This could be a sign of plantar fasciitis, a common condition affecting many people. Although detecting and treating it early makes the cure straightforward, if left untreated, the problem can worsen and the treatment can become more difficult.
Plantar Fasciitis, its cause and Symptoms
Plantar Fasciitis is a condition that occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects heels to toes, becomes inflamed. If not treated early, in some cases, small tears can develop which causes acute pain.
This condition can occur due to many activities. These include excessive walking, poor posture, walking barefoot on hardened surfaces, and being on foot all day. Additionally, this condition can also occur due to some health conditions such as flat feet, High arch feet, and obesity.
You should know that plantar fasciitis is most common among the age group of 40 to 60. But it is not limited to them only. It can develop without any obvious cause but symptoms will be common for all. These symptoms include heel pain, pain in the arch of the foot, stiffness, and soreness in the muscle.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosis for plantar fasciitis would be primarily based on physical examination combined with questioning about daily activity. Imaging tests are sometimes done, which may include MRI, ultrasound, and X-ray, to ascertain that nothing else is causing the pain.
Once diagnosed and the true extent of the problem is found, several treatment options are available. These are:
Rest and Ice Therapy: Most cases improve with rest and regular ice applications. This helps reduce pain and swelling.
Medications: If problems persist, medicine like NSAIDs can be taken to reduce the pain and control the inflammatory symptoms but only after consultations with a doctor.
Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist comes up with a tailored plan and approach to treat the causes after conducting a thorough assessment. The plan includes manual therapy, exercise, and stretches which help greatly in improving joint mobility and assist in resuming normal activities.
Surgery: Although very rare, in some cases, if the problem becomes more severe, surgery might be conducted.
Get Professional help
One should visit a specialist as soon as possible to expedite the process of recovery in case one is experiencing plantar fasciitis. Even during the initial stage, a physiotherapist can be approached for better recovery. They curate a personalized plan that caters to your needs, assessing your condition and creating a targeted plan that includes exercises, dietary advice, and therapy sessions. This detailed approach not only reduces pain but also corrects the main underlying issues that contribute to the problem, such as poor foot mechanics or improper posture.
Solace Physiotherapy: Your one-stop source for professional care in North Vancouver.
We provide specialized physiotherapy for plantar fasciitis at Solace Physiotherapy in North Vancouver. Our goal is to help you heal and feel better. Visit our website to find out more and book your appointment today.