Are You Suffering From Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is a latin term which means inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissues which stretches from the heel (also known as calcaneum), to the middle foot bones. Plantar fascia supports the foot’s arch, and also serves as a shock absorber in the foot.
Plantar fasciitis normally causes pain on the underside of the foot’s heel. Some people may also experience pain beneath the foot’s arch. Both arch pain and heel pain are as a result of the inflammation of the plantar fascia. The heel pain is usually more common than the arch pain. Plantar fasciitis is very common and about 1 in every 10 people, will develop the condition at one point or another, in their life.
The condition is more common in people who are between 40 – 60 years. However, the condition can occur to all people of any age. It’s also much more common in women, than in men, and most common in athletes.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Repeated, regular minor injuries to the plantar fascia (whether with, or without the inflammation) are usually the cause of the condition. Here are some of the more common causes of Plantar Fasciitis;
- Overuse. Too much running and walking, or standing for prolong periods.
- Weight gain. The feet are basically designed to hold a normal weight. Excess weight will place great pressure on your bones, muscles, ligaments and nerves in the feet, which will gradually result into foot problems.
- Pregnancy (usually in the last 2-3 months) can cause the condition.
- Aging; As we grow older, the ligaments tend to become shorter and tighter, and the muscles become weaker and weaker. This leads to foot problems.
- Unsupportive and inappropriate footwear; Wearing floppy shoes which don’t have proper support can affect your walking pattern, which can in turn cause plantar fasciitis.
- Walking barefoot, especially on the hard surfaces like tiles and concrete can cause the condition.
- Low arch, flat feet or over pronation, can cause plantar fasciitis.
- Neuroma (that is, nerve enlargement) can also cause the condition.
- There are certain disorders, such as diabetes and arthritis which can lead to plantar fasciitis.
Signs and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Pain is basically the main symptom. It can be felt anywhere under the heel or the foot’s arch. The pain often gets worse;
- Early in the morning after you wake and take your 1st steps.
- After sitting or standing for a while.
- When climbing up the stairs.
- After an intense activity.