Wear the Right Shoes To Avoid Foot Injury
Plantar fasciitis is irritation and swelling of the thick tissue in the bottom of the foot, known as the Plantar Fascia. The most common complaint is pain in the bottom of the heel. It is usually worst in the morning and may improve throughout the day. By the end of the day the pain may be replaced by a dull aching that improves with rest.
Most people complain of increased heel pain first thing in the morning or after periods of inactivity, alleviated after walking for a short time. Initial treatment usually consists of: antiinflammatory medications, heel stretching exercises, night splints, and shoe inserts. Physical therapy would include the first two, and your therapist would work with you to perform exercises at home as well. If these fail, putting the affected foot in a short leg cast (a cast up to but not above the knee) for 3-6 weeks is very often successful in reducing pain and inflammation. Alternatively, a cast boot (which looks like a ski boot) may be used. It is still worn full time, but can be removed for bathing.
Some physicians will offer steroid injections, which can provide lasting relief in many people. However, this injection is very painful and not for everyone. In a few patients, non-surgical treatment fails and surgery to release the tight, inflamed fascia becomes necessary. The plantar fascia is a very thick band of tissue that holds up the bones on the bottom of the foot. This fascia can become inflamed and painful in some people, making walking more difficult.
Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:
• Foot arch problems (both flat foot and high arches)
• Obesity
• Running
• Sudden weight gain
• Tight Achilles tendon
Causes: Sometimes known as the Flip Flop Disease, it frequently occurs in people who wear flip flops or other non-supportive shoes for long periods of time. This condition is one of the most common orthopedic complaints relating to the foot. Plantar fasciitis is commonly thought of as being caused by a heel spur, but research has found that this is not the case. On x-ray, heel spurs are seen in people with and without plantar fasciitis. The prognosis is usually good. Nearly all patients will improve within 1 year of beginning non-surgical therapy, with no long term problems. In the few patients requiring surgery, most have relief of their heel pain.
Prevention: Maintaining good flexibility around the ankle, particularly the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, is probably the best way to prevent plantar fasciitis. Also once you’ve had plantar fasciitis, wearing proper footwear with good support is a good way to prevent a second episode. Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to begin a course of exercises designed specifically for your condition.
Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to begin a course of exercises designed specifically for your condition.
