People with plantar fasciitis can cause tremendous pain and discomfort in the heel. Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation or irritation of the plantar fascia ligament, which runs down the bottom of the foot. This thick and fibrous ligament links the base of the heel bone to the base of the toes and supports the arch of the foot during walking or running. Micro-tearing happens as a result of recurrent tension, resulting in inflammation and heel pain in the patient.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
An inflammation of a thick band of tissue that links the heel bone to the toes. The inflammatory tissue covers the whole bottom of the foot. Stabbing pain around the heel is one of the tell-tale symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis. The pain related to plantar fasciitis can be worse in the morning.
Cause of Plantar Fasciitis:
Usually, plantar fasciitis pain is most felt in the morning in the heel and arch of the foot. As explained by many patients it is the worst heel pain one can wake up with. The nature of the pain is quite stabbing, sharp, or burning. Usually, the pain tends to subside as the day progresses. But as you sit or stand for a prolonged period the pain may return as well. Other reasons can trigger plantar fasciitis pain too like:
Suboptimal Foot Biomechanics:
The biomechanics of a person's foot and gait (walking/running style) are one of the most prevalent plantar fasciitis causes and a major contributing element. Plantar fasciitis is most common in those who have flat feet (pes planus) or high arches (pes cavus). Flat feet cause the arch to collapse when the individual gains weight on the foot, causing the plantar fascia to stretch and pull away from the heel bone, resulting in irritation. Plantar fascia ligament tightness is common in persons with high arches, and plantar fasciitis causes a lot of strain and discomfort in those patients as well.
Over-weight and obesity:
Carrying additional body weight is always a risk factor for getting plantar fasciitis. Your lower legs and feet bear the weight of your body, and when undue pressure is exerted on the structures of the lower limb, the plantar fascia ligament experiences excessive strain as it seeks to effectively maintain the foot arch and transfer the stresses of your movement through your foot. Plantar fasciitis produces abrupt and severe pain in the heels and arches, especially in people who have gained weight suddenly.
Physical Activity Strenuous on Feet:
People who have a career that demands them to stand, sit or run for a long time can have an adverse effect on their feet. Athletes are prone to suffer through plantar fasciitis more than a regular person. The tissue that makes up plantar fasciitis is composed of collagen, thereby, it is not well adaptable to stretching. Thus, once it is inflamed it can take some time to recover.
Usually, people tend to avoid heel pain till the pain exceeds their capacity. As soon as the pain starts to go beyond their level of tolerance must consult a podiatrist. The range of treatment can vary from patient to patient depending on the level of their heel pain. From orthotics to low-level laser therapy can be used to treat patients with plantar fasciitis.
Thus, if you are suspecting the heel pain you're suffering from is different in nature and aligns with the symptoms of plantar fasciitis must consult a podiatrist immediately. Remember anyone can suffer through plantar fasciitis and early intervention can ease pain and discomfort.
