Plantar Fasciitis

Suffering From Heel Pain? - Plantar Fasciitis

Are you suffering from heel pain?  You should know that plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of this.  The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and is responsible for the connection between your heel bone and your toes. This tissue is normally expected to be your shock absorber step after step.  However, if the tension on this tissue becomes too intense, small tears will be created.  Then, as the repetitive motions continue it will result in more and more tears and stretching causing plantar fasciitis to occur from the increased inflammation the plantar fascia tissue is facing.

The level of discomfort experienced will vary from person to person, however the symptoms usually follow a similar pattern, which include:

  • Stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel.
  • Pain that is usually worse with the first few steps after waking up.
  • Pain that is triggered by long periods of standing.
  • Increased pain when getting up from a seated position.

If you begin to experience any of the symptoms as listed above it would be a good idea to consult with your doctor for possible treatment options.  This is because if plantar fasciitis is ignored it may result in more chronic heel pain that could begin to interfere with your daily routine.  In addition, if you try to compromise and change the way you walk to relieve your discomfort you may end up causing more pain in your feet, knees, hips or back.  Do not put off your pain; get to the bottom of it before it causes you more trouble than it’s worth.

There are certain factors that place individuals at a greater risk for development of plantar fasciitis including:

  • Age
  • Most commonly this condition affects those between the ages of 40 and 60.
  • Certain exercises
  • If a lot of stress is placed on your feet during exercise it can greatly contribute to plantar fasciitis. Such exercises could include long-distance running and ballet.
  • Try lower impact sports such as swimming or bicycling.
  • Foot structure
  • If you are flat-footed, have a high arch, or even an abnormal walking pattern…this can affect the way the weight is distributed over your feet and can add extra stress on your plantar fascia tissue which will cause discomfort.
  • Choosing supportive shoes will help here. Avoid high heels and going barefoot as much as possible.  Shoes with a low to moderate heel with good shock absorbency are the best.
  • Weight
  • Those who are overweight may be at a greater risk just due to the extra pounds that add to the tension on the plantar fascia tissue.
  • Working to maintain a healthy weight will minimize the stress placed on your feet.
  • Work
  • Your job may place you at a greater risk if you are expected to be on your feet for long periods of time…over time this may damage your plantar fascia.
  • Take breaks often; either get up and move around or sit down and take a load off…your feet will thank you!

The good thing is that there are normally no imaging tests necessary to diagnose this condition.  The diagnosis is usually made solely based on the history and physical examination.  As far as diagnosis of plantar fasciitis goes, if you consult with your provider related to your foot pain you will have a physical examination where he or she will check various points on your foot for any tenderness.  The location of your tenderness and pain will help determine what is causing it.  On rare occasions, your provider may recommend an x-ray just to ensure your pain is not caused by another problem such as a bone spur.

Once diagnosed, your doctor will inform you of all treatment options available for your specific condition.  Frequently most people who have plantar fasciitis will recover with conservative treatments in just a few months.  Some treatment options may include:

  • Medications
  • Mild pain relievers such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve and others may help with the increase in pain and inflammation that is associated with plantar fasciitis.
  • Therapy
  • Physical therapy may provide you with instructions to complete various exercises to stretch your plantar fascia to help relieve your discomfort and better support your feet.
  • Orthotics may also be an option too. These are custom-fitted arch supports that are placed into your shoes in order to provide better support for your feet.

Tuli Cheetah Ankle Support with Heel Cup

Tuli Cheetah Ankle Support with Heel Cup -

Combine the shock absorption of Tuli's patented "waffle" design heel cups with the comfort and support of lightweight neoprene ankle support and you get unsurpassed support with amazing "barefoot" feeling and comfort. Tuli's Cheetahs are ideal for shin splints, tired and swollen ankles or just a little extra ankle support. A proven favorite of gymnasts and dancers world-wide, Tuli’s Cheetahs are perfect for athletes.

 

Vionic Walking Shoes

Vionic Orthopedic Shoes and Sandals -

The first of its kind to bring trusted technology and style into one transformative solution, Vionic footwear offers innovative, podiatrist-designed support built seamlessly into contemporary and modern classics.

Whether you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, knee pain, back pain, or other foot pains, you will find comfort in your shoes that you never thought was possible. Vionic sandals, shoes and slippers are biomechanically engineered to hug your arches, which supports natural alignment.

 

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Acetaminophen Liquid 500MG 8oz compares to Tylenol Liquid

Pain reliever/fever reducer. Compare to the active ingredient of Extra Strength Tylenol® Liquid

If the more conservative options as listed above do not fully take care of your plantar fasciitis pain, you could be a candidate for more invasive procedures, such as surgery or steroid injections to help correct your problem.

Ultimately, plantar fasciitis can indeed be a nuisance and cause you to miss out on some of the things you enjoy.  Don’t ignore your pain; get it figured out as soon as possible in order to avoid more problems in the future.  Taking care of yourself is the first step to your own happiness so what are you waiting for?

Since 1997 Allegro Medical has been a leading supplier of plantar fasciitis supplies to healthcare providers and consumers.  If you are recently experiencing plantar fasciitis pain, rely on AllegroMedical.com for all of your Plantar Fasciitis needs.