subject: The Causes And Treatments For Plantar Fasciitis [print this page] If you suffer from constant pain in your heels just from walking or running around, it is possible that you have a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is the most common form of heel pain and it can be caused by a variety of factors. There is no singular treatment for plantar fasciitis; rather, there are several different treatment options that can be effective depending on the individual situation.
The Causes Of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the flat band of tissue that runs from your heel bone to the base of your toes. The plantar fascia is designed to support the arch of your foot and when it is strained, it becomes weak and inflamed. Inflammation of the plantar fascia can be caused by a variety of different factors, but here are a few of the most common:
*Poorly fitting shoes. If you are not wearing shoes that fit you correctly, your feet are not getting the support they need. This increases the amount of strain you put on your ankles and can lead to plantar fasciitis.
*High arches. If you have high arches, the weight of your body is not distributed evenly throughout your foot. This added strain can lead to plantar fasciitis.
*Excessive walking, running or standing. Constantly being on your feet puts an additional amount of strain on your feet. Over time, this can take a toll on your heels and cause plantar fasciitis.
*Overweight. Being overweight puts an additional amount of strain on your feet. Again, this added strain can lead to plantar fasciitis.
Treatments For Plantar Fasciitis
To cure the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, there are a variety of treatment options available. Here are a few of the most common treatments that podiatrists recommend:
*Choose good shoes or orthotics. Many people do not pay attention to the type of shoes they wear, but simply wearing shoes that fit you properly can cure many foot ailments. If you have a high arch or a flat foot that is causing you pain, your Centreville podiatrist may also prescribe an orthotic insert to put inside your shoe.
*Stay off your feet. By simply staying off of your feet, you can allow your feet to rest and heal. For mild cases, this can be effective in reducing your symptoms. If there is a specific activity that you believe is causing your pain, stopping that activity for awhile can also be helpful.
*Surgery. If you are not able to fix your symptoms by non-surgical methods, there are options that involve surgery. This is generally seen as a last resort after attempting to alleviate the symptoms through other methods for several months.
If you would like more information about plantar fasciitis, contact your Centreville podiatrist today.
