What is Plantar Fasciitis?
What is plantar fasciitis? Let's break it down. It's a common foot condition where the plantar fascia and vital tissue band supporting your foot arch becomes irritated or inflamed. This fibrous structure connects the heel bone to the toes playing a pivotal role in providing essential support to the foot's arch as you walk. Potentially the plantar fascia intensifies during weight bearing and pushing off during activities like walking or running.
Now you know.
Plantar Fasciitis Self Test
Here are 2 simple ways you can test yourself for plantar fasciitis. Number 1, the first step test is all about that initial step you take in the morning. When you get out of bed, if you feel a significant pain near your heel that gradually fades as you continue to walk, plantar fasciitis might be in the picture.
Number 2, the hot spot test. Find a chair, bend your knee and place your affected foot on the opposite knee.
Now using your thumb, press firmly on the heel area. If you encounter notable pain or identify hot spots, it could be a sign of plantar fasciitis. Remember, these tests provide initial insights. If you notice anything concerning or if the discomfort persists, it's crucial to consult a doctor for a more in-depth evaluation.
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Planter Fasciitis-Can it Heal on its own?
Welcome to Ortho Quest with doctor James. Can plantar fasciitis heal on his own? Yes or no? If you pick this, you are correct. Plantar fasciitis can often resolve on its own.
However, ignoring it may lead to complications. Initially, persistent pain and discomfort may disrupt your daily activities. Subsequently, increased inflammation and swelling may exacerbate the condition affecting your mobility. Moreover, the risk of developing chronic plantar fasciitis may rise if left untreated leading to tears in the fascia or the formation of nodules called fibroma. Check out my profile for more information on plantar fasciitis.
3 Tips to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis (Part 1)
Three tips to prevent plantar fasciitis. 1, choose supportive shoes. Wear shoes that provide proper arch support and cushioning. Avoid shoes with worn out soles or inadequate calf muscles, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia to exercises for your calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia to maintain flexibility and reduce the risk of injury. 3, explore low impact exercises like swimming or cycling as alternatives to activities like running.
For more insights on preventing pandaversitis, check out my profile.
3 Tips to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis (Part 2)
Three tips to prevent plantar fasciitis. 1, proper foot mechanics. Pay close attention to your walking and running techniques. Ensure your stride is natural and watch for excessive inward or outward rolling of your feet. Number 2, use orthotic inserts.
Consider using orthotic inserts for added support and proper foot alignment if you have flat feet or high arches. Number 3, maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight adds stress to your feet particularly the plantar fascia. Keeping a healthy weight can significantly reduce the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. For more valuable insights on preventing plantar fasciitis, check out my profile.
3 Triggers of Planter Fasciitis (Part 1)
Three triggers of plantar fasciitis. Number 1, high impact activities. Engaging in sports or activities like running on hard surfaces or jumping can strain the plantar fascia leading to inflammation. Number 2, tight calf muscles and Achilles tendon. Tightness in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can heighten stress on the plantar fascia especially for those who don't stretch regularly.
And number 3, inadequate warm up or cool down. Skipping a proper warm up before exercise or neglecting a cool down afterwards increases the risk of injury including plantar fasciitis. These are the three triggers of plantar fasciitis.
3 Triggers of Planter Fasciitis (Part 2)
3 triggers of plantar fasciitis. Number 1, age. Plantar fasciitis is more prevalent in middle aged individuals and the risk tends to increase with age. Number 2, occupational factors. Jobs that involve prolonged periods of standing or walking on hard surfaces may contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.
Number 3, medical conditions. Certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes may increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.
red flags of Planter Fasciitis
Three red flags of plantar fasciitis. 1st, persistent arch pain. Plantar fasciitis often manifest as prolonged pain in the arch or near the heel sometimes lasting for months. Next, difficulty walking. When the pain in your foot is severe especially in the morning when taking the first few steps.
Last but not least, don't ignore any swelling. Swelling is uncommon in plantar fasciitis so do consult a healthcare professional ASAP if you experience it. Stay tuned to find out what you can do if you spot these three red flags of plantar fasciitis.
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How is Planter Fasciitis treated?
Four treatment options for plantar fasciitis. Number 1, high intensity laser therapy. It uses high powered lasers to deliver focus and intense light energy deep into tissue to accelerate the natural healing processes. It is a non invasive painless treatment method that promotes tissue healing, reduces inflammation, and helps to reduce pain. Number 2, shockwave, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
It's a non invasive treatment option for treating pain and inflammation through stimulating tissue repair. It uses high energy acoustic waves to induce new blood vessel growth and tissue regeneration thereby treating many pain conditions. Number 3, PRP injection. Platelet rich plasma injection is a regenerative treatment for plantar fasciitis that consists of an injection of your own platelets to trigger the body's natural repair and regeneration processes. Number 4, endoscopic surgery.
It involves 2 small incisions under your ankle bone each less than half an inch long. The surgeon will insert a small camera called an endoscope in one of the openings and a tiny knife in the other to release your plantar fascia. Remember, individual responses vary and consulting with a healthcare professional is essential for personalized advice and additional interventions if symptoms persist or worsen.