Plantar Fasciitiis is a sharp and stabbing pain in your heel or arch when you take your first few steps in the morning. This is a common foot condition that affecting millions of people worldwide. While the pain and discomfort can be frustrating, it can be treated! With the right treatment approach, you can find relief and live your life normally.

It is basically an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. It connects your heel bone to your toes. This tissue acts as a shock absorber and supports the arch of your foot. When it becomes overstretched or irritated, it can cause pain and inflammation.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

There can be many reasons for the development of plantar fasciitis. If you spend a lot of time on your feet, especially on hard surfaces like concrete, you’re at an extra risk to get this condition. Wearing shoes that lack proper arch support or cushioning can also put extra strain on your plantar fascia. Other risk factors are obesity, tight calf muscles, high arches, or flat feet.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis

Key symptoms of plantar dasciitis are pain and stiffness in the heel or arch. This pain particularly occurs when you first wake up or after sitting for an extended period.

The pain may get worse after exercising or standing for long periods. Some people describe the sensation as feeling like a knife is stabbing the bottom of their foot. The discomfort can range from mild to severe and may make walking or performing your usual activities difficult.

When to see a doctor?

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, we recommend seeing your doctor. Your doctor will probably ask about your symptoms, examine your foot, and may order imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI to rule out other potential causes of your pain, such as a stress fracture or nerve irritation. Your doctor may also check your foot’s flexibility, strength, and tenderness to help determine the severity of your condition.

How to treat plantar fasciitis?

Treatment for plantar fasciitis usually involves a combination of self-care measures and medical interventions:

• • Your doctor may recommend:
    • • Rest
    • • Ice
    • • Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen to help manage your symptoms

• • Stretching exercises for your calf muscles and plantar fascia can also be beneficial:
    • • These stretches help to improve flexibility and reduce tension in the affected area

Other treatment options may include:

• • Physical therapy:
    • • A trained professional can guide you through exercises and techniques to strengthen your foot and lower leg muscles

• • Custom orthotics or shoe inserts:
    • • These can help distribute pressure evenly across your foot and provide extra support

• • Night splints:
    • • Wearing night splints keeps your foot stretched while you sleep
    • • This may be recommended to help prevent morning stiffness and pain

In some cases, your doctor may suggest:

• • Corticosteroid injections:
    • • These injections can reduce inflammation in the plantar fascia
    • • They can provide temporary relief but come with potential risks and side effects

• • Surgery (rarely necessary):
    • • In severe cases that don’t respond to conservative treatments, a procedure called a plantar fascia release may be considered

The Bottom Line

It’s important to remember that plantar fasciitis can take time to heal, so be patient with your body and stick to your treatment plan. With proper care and attention, most people can find relief from their symptoms within a few months. Losing weight can also help reduce the strain on your plantar fascia if you’re overweight.

For more information and an effective treatment, get in touch with the Best Foot Pain Doctor in Chandigarh. Dr. Manu Mengi one of the Leading Orthopedic Doctors in Chandigarh has experience with treating all kinds of foot pain. Book Appointment Today.