Plantar fasciitis is when there is an inflammation of the plantar fascia.

It is a disorder that affects approximately 1 out of every 10 persons sometime in their life. It’s sometimes referred to as ‘jogger’s heel’, though non-runners can have it too. Fortunately, it usually improves with time, although therapy may hasten your recovery.

What are the Symptoms?

Among the most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis is pain. When you exert weight on your foot while walking, the irritated plantar fascia can cause pain. This discomfort can occur anywhere on the underside of your heel. However, one site is frequently identified as the primary cause of discomfort. This is usually located around 4 cm in front of your heel and may be painful to the touch.

The discomfort is sometimes worsened in the morning or after prolonged rest with no weight on your foot. It is often described as a stabbing or aching pain. Gentle exercise may help to alleviate symptoms as the day progresses. On the other hand, a long walk or staying on your feet for long periods typically aggravates the discomfort. Resting your foot usually relieves the pain; nevertheless, this may be pretty annoying for people who are attempting to increase their fitness levels by taking up jogging!

Sudden stretching of the bottom of your foot, such as walking up stairs or on tiptoes, may aggravate the discomfort. You may limp as a result of pain. Plantar fasciitis can affect both feet at the same time for some people.

What are Some Treatments for Heel Pain?

The soreness will usually subside with time. ‘Fascia’ tissue heals slowly, as does ‘ligament’ tissue. It might take many months or longer. However, several treatments can aid with your foot pain. A mix of therapies may also prove beneficial. These range from basic workouts and rest to surgery.

Use Appropriate Footwear

It is best to avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces. Shoes with cushioned heels and firm arch support are ideal. It’s generally advisable to wear laced sports shoes rather than an open sandal. Avoid outdated or worn shoes that may not provide good heel cushioning.

Exercise

Regular stretching of your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia may assist in alleviating your discomfort. This is because most people who have plantar fasciitis have a slight stiffness in their Achilles tendons. It tends to pull towards the back of your heel, causing your plantar fascia to tighten. Furthermore, your plantar fascia tends to stiffen during sleep (which is why it’s most painful first thing in the morning). The goal of these exercises is to gradually release the tendons and fascia above and below your heel.

Steroid Injections

If your discomfort persists despite the preceding ‘conservative’ remedies, you may consider a steroid (cortisone) injection. It temporarily relieves pain for several weeks but does not usually solve the issue. It is not always successful and can be painful. Steroids function by decreasing inflammation. However, steroid injections have certain hazards, including (occasionally) ripping (rupture) of the plantar fascia, and are thus less routinely performed in the community these days.

Surgery

In very challenging instances, this may be explored. Surgery is usually recommended only if your pain has not improved after 12 months of non-surgical therapy. A plantar fascia release is performed to separate your plantar fascia from where it joins to the bone. If a spur on the heel bone (calcaneum) is present, it may also be removed. Surgery does not always work. Because it might create issues in certain people, it should only be used as a last option. Infection, increased pain, nerve injury, or plantar fascia rupture are all possible complications.