Fighting Plantar Fasciitis (Fallen Arches)

Plantar fasciitis is the condition in which the plantar fascia (the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from your heel to your toes) becomes inflamed. Heel pain is a common result of plantar fasciitis, as irritation turns into inflammation or swelling.

What Can Cause Plantar Fasciitis There could be a number of reasons for plantar fasciitis, so it is important to have the condition diagnosed properly by a podiatrist, who will be able to determine the underlying condition that is causing the pain in your heel. This is done with various imaging tests and physical examinations, and by asking questions about the patient?s symptoms and medical history. Pain and other symptoms can vary, and may be persistent or intermittent. Women over the age of 40 are at a higher risk, but this condition can happen to anyone, at any age, no matter their fitness level.

Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are Pain on the bottom of the heel, Pain in the arch of the foot, Pain that is usually worse upon arising, Pain that increases over a period of months. People with plantar fasciitis often describe the pain as worse when they get up in the morning or after they?ve been sitting for long periods of time. After a few minutes of walking the pain decreases, because walking stretches the fascia. For some people the pain subsides but returns after spending long periods of time on their feet.

Treating Plantar Fasciitis Treatment of heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis begins with simple steps. There are a number of options for treatment of plantar fasciitis, and almost always some focused effort with nonsurgical treatments can provide excellent relief. In rare circumstances, simple steps are not adequate at providing relief, and more invasive treatments may be recommended. Typically, patients progress from simple steps, and gradually more invasive treatments, and only rarely is surgery required.