The condition in which the plantar fascia becomes inflamed is known as plantar fasciitis. The body exerts pressure on the plantar fascia with each step. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by overuse, injury, having high arches, or flatfootedness, also called overpronation.
Since plantar fasciitis can be caused by overuse, people who do excessive amounts of running, walking, or standing are prone to this condition. People who walk or stand for their occupations are susceptible to plantar fasciitis. For this reason, plantar fasciitis used to be called policemen’s heel.
Plantar fasciitis causes discomfort or slight pain at the heel called a stone bruise. Plantar fasciitis often gets worse if left untreated.
The pain will gradually worsen if the plantar fasciitis is not treated promptly. People with plantar fasciitis often experience the worst pain with their first steps in the morning. Untreated plantar fasciitis can cause a tear in the ligament.
Plantar fasciitis can cause heel spurs. The inflammation of the plantar fascia can cause part of the ligament pull away from the heel which causes calcium deposits to form. These calcium deposits form bony, hook-like projections known as heel spurs.
People with certain medical conditions are more prone to plantar fasciitis or may experience complications. Problems with plantar fasciitis are common in people with arthritis or diabetes.
Women are at higher risk for developing plantar fasciitis. It is thought that the cause for this increased risk for women is the lack of support in many women’s shoes. Wearing supportive shoes can help prevent plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis treatment can include rest and stretches for the plantar fascia. The doctor may also prescribe the use of orthotics and night splints. Orthotics provide support and cushioning for the plantar fascia. Night splints are worn overnight to stretch the plantar fascia.
Walking barefoot should be avoided by people with plantar fasciitis as it put so much stress on the plantar fascia. Ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers may be used to help alleviate the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
There is a surgical treatment method called a plantar fascia release, but it is rarely done because they can cause serious complications. One such complication is fallen arches. This surgery is only performed if all noninvasive treatment methods fail to provide relief.
Please pay lots of attention to your diabetic foot care if you are having problems. And please seek any podiatrist for help if you have any foot problems. We have a free forum full of podiatrists, that give free foot health advice.
