Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis to Look Out For

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of a specific grouping of tissues called the plantar fascia which run between the bottom of the heel and the toes. If this fibrous tissue is continuously and vigorously overstretched, by activities such as jumping or running, there is a chance of developing plantar fasciitis. The condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, with pain most commonly felt on the underside of the heel, although the condition can affect any part of the plantar fascia, and produce painful episodes anywhere between the heel bone and the ball of the foot.

Plantar Fasciitis Causes

• Flat feet
• Excessively high foot arches
• Overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the feet whilst walking and running)
• Obesity
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle with a lack of exercise
• Trauma
• Ill fitting shoes

Strenuous exercise is often the culprit, with the condition experienced by athletes and sports lovers who fail to take adequate periods of rest to allow the muscles and the plantar fascia to recover. When muscles become fatigued, a greater strain is placed on the arches and the plantar fascia and damage becomes more likely. The anatomy of the foot can make people predisposed to develop plantar fasciitis, with gait abnormalities causing excessive forces to act on the plantar fascia. Shoes with a lack of arch support are commonly at fault, which could be old running shoes, flip-flops or even barefoot shoes. Any footwear which requires the muscles in the feet to work harder, or leased the arches unsupported can contribute to this condition.

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms

All the above factors may lead to the development of tiny tears forming in the plantar fascia, and the main symptom is pain in the heel or the underside of the foot, with the severity of the pain depending on the extent of the condition. The pain is confined to the heel, foot arch and to a much lesser extent, the ball of the foot.

The pain is often more acute when one has been immobile for a while; for instance after sleeping for several hours. The reason for this is that the tissues in the foot contract significantly during rest and the sudden stretching when the first few steps are taken can cause intense pain. As the plantar fascia expands more as one walks, the pain usually decreases to some extent, although may remain as a persistence ache rather than the stabbing pain often experienced first thing in the morning.

Managing Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms

It is important to seek medical attention if the pain does not abate after a few days of rest. It is only through the right diagnosis and medical treatment that this condition can be managed, and an early diagnosis will shorten the recovery period significantly. Rest is helpful, as the pain is not usually felt when the weight is off the feet, however stretching exercises are advised to prevent the plantar fascia from contracting. There are a number of plantar fasciitis exercises which can help to gently stretch out the plantar fascia and speed up the healing process. Many sufferers find that orthotic devices such as heel seats eradicate the pain totally, with plantar fasciitis splints another highly effective treatment.

Jane Rivero believes in prevention being the best treatment. However if plantar fasciitis does strike, there are a host of heel pain treatment options which are highly effective, and can even provide instant relief. She advises that back of heel pain is likely to be Achilles tendonitis, which has different treatments.