Plantar fasciitis treatment can be achieved by patients who suffer from the condition. Plantar fasciitis occurs when a person’s plantar fascia, a tissue band located on the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed and thus causes pain and irritation. The condition generally occurs in the morning when a patient takes the first steps of the day. After the foot has been limbered, the pain usually subsides, but it may come back after extended periods of sitting or standing.
For most sufferers of plantar fasciitis, the condition appears gradually and only occurs in one foot. The resulting pain is experienced as a sharp stabbing feeling in the heel of the foot. Other plantar fasciitis symptoms that may indicate the development of the condition can occur when completing specific activities. Pain that increases while a patient climbs stairs or stands on their toes could be a sign of the condition. Also, if the pain disappears during exercise but returns when the exercise is completed, this could be another symptom.
Most common in athletes, the condition is frequently found in runners. Additionally, those patients who are overweight, wear non-comforting shoes, or are pregnant may also develop plantar fasciitis. Anyone who regularly engages in activities that put constant excess pressure on the foot may be at risk for the condition. The cause of the pain is over extension or small tears in the fascia. Care should be taken as the plantar fasciitis symptoms can be misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis when another condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or tarsal tunnel syndrome are the actual cause.
While the pain of the condition should be enough to convince patients to deal with the problem, other more serious complications can occur if plantar fasciitis is left untreated. A chronic condition could be developed that would be harder to treat and can limit the activities a person can enjoy. In addition, as a patient may walk differently to compensate for the pain, other areas such as the knees, hips, or back could be negatively affected.
For patients who have developed the condition, many treatment options are available. While time will heal most cases of the condition, proper footwear and stretching may speed recovery. Home treatments can include simply stopping the activity that is causing the condition or making sure a patients’ feet are rested enough. Supportive shoe inserts may also be a way to avoid the condition. Medical treatments may include corticosteroids or the use of common anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen may be enough to alleviate the pain. Depending on the severity of the pain, surgery may be needed to correct the problem. Other methods of dealing with the condition may include a plantar fasciitis splint, physical therapy, or orthotics. A plantar fasciitis splint is usually worn during sleep and keep the position of the foot stable as a form of plantar fasciitis treatment.