That very first move, getting out of bed, needs to be smooth. Nevertheless, most individuals experience sharp pain in their heels immediately. Immediate pulling while stepping, an ache in the feet after standing long hours, and even gradual intensification throughout the day become an obstacle to your everyday life.
People often underestimate these symptoms, but, unfortunately, they may be related to plantar fasciitis. Something as simple as the way you walk, your choice of shoes, and everyday activity may affect this problem much more than you think.
What is happening in your body, and why does it cause pain sometimes? We are going to figure this out while analysing the plantar fasciitis symptoms and reasons for this problem.
About Plantar Fasciitis
The problem of plantar fasciitis is considered among the most frequent orthopaedic diseases associated with pain in the sole of the heel. The plantar fascia is a ligament located between your heel and forefoot. Its main function is to support the arch of your foot and make you feel comfortable while walking.
Such a strain of the ligament occurs every day due to walking, standing, and other similar actions. An excessive load on the foot area may lead to damage or small tears in the ligament. As a consequence, there appear swelling and painful sensations in the heel bone area.
What are the Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms?
- Heel Pain: The pain is normally experienced in the sole of the heel or even in the midfoot region
- Foot Pain, Unilateral, or Bilateral: This disorder commonly affects only one foot, but can affect both feet too
- Gradual Pain: Pain develops slowly over time and does not usually start suddenly
- Stabbing Sensation: Many people feel a sharp or stabbing pain, especially in the heel
- Pain Dissemination: The pain migrates from the heels to the outside areas of the feet
- Morning Stiffness: Pain occurs at its maximum intensity when you take your first step in the morning
- Inability to Move: Moving around after rest, such as climbing stairs, is painful
- Pain or Exercise: The pain may not be present while exercising, but increases after exercising
- Irritation: The more activities performed, the more inflammation occurs in the foot.
The above signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis are some of the common characteristics that should be heeded.
Who Gets Plantar Fasciitis and Why?
The plantar fasciitis causes include irritation and damage to the plantar fascia. Daily habits and activities play an important role in this condition.
- Standing for Long Hours: Jobs that require you to stand all day can put stress on your feet
- Sports Activities: Regular sports activities can increase pressure on the plantar fascia
- Surfaces: Exercising and working out on hard floors may lead to heel pressure
- Lack of Warm-Up: Lack of stretches or warm-up exercises before physical activities is also considered one of the main causes
- Uncomfortable Footwear: Ill-fitting footwear may lead to the problem worsening
- Going Barefoot: Going barefoot when walking around the house is also a leading cause due to added heel pressure
There are various health-related ailments that might contribute to this condition. They include having high arches, flat feet, and being obese.
Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis
The diagnosis process begins with a physical examination by a health professional to determine any pain and tenderness in the foot. An Interventional radiologist in Mumbai identifies the exact area where the pain is felt to rule out other conditions.
You may be asked to flex your foot during the check. The doctor presses on the plantar fascia to see if the pain increases. This helps confirm the condition. Signs like swelling or redness are also checked.
The doctor also checks muscle strength and nerve health. Reflexes, muscle tone, touch sense, coordination, and balance are evaluated for a complete understanding of the plantar fasciitis causes and symptoms.
Imaging Tests
- X-ray or MRI: Used to diagnose conditions that can cause heel pain, including bone fractures and heel spurs. They may not reveal much about soft tissues but they can be used to eliminate other diagnoses.
- MRI: Reveals thickened areas of the plantar fascia and swelling of tissue
- Ultrasound: Helps detect any calcifications and thickening in the plantar fascia
How is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?
Treatment for plantar fasciitis may usually be done at home, together with non-prescription medicines. Physicians have advised certain techniques that could ease the pain and improve the foot condition.
- Pain Relief Medications: Nonprescription drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen decrease pain and inflammation
- Rest: Taking time off from all activities will aid in the healing process of the foot
- Ice Application: This helps with plantar fasciitis swelling and pain reduction
- Use of Supportive Footwear: Using footwear that will provide support to the affected part by reducing the amount of pressure on it
- Exercises: Stretching exercises and massage can help ease stiffness in the foot
- Corticosteroids: They can be recommended to help minimise inflammation
However, surgery is only needed in extreme cases, especially when acute plantar fasciitis symptoms do not improve with other treatments. Some common surgeries are plantar fascial release and gastrocnemius recession.
How Can You Prevent Plantar Fasciitis?
- Exercise your feet sparingly and rest them adequately after use.
- Ensure there is enough recovery time after exercise or excessive standing.
- Do not walk without footwear on a hard surface.
- Replace shoes every six to nine months for proper support.
Conclusion
The problem of plantar fasciitis can simply be that of a heel bone hurting, but then it may start disrupting your everyday tasks if you do not give attention to the problem. Simple treatment, along with certain lifestyle changes, should solve the issue, but if the problem continues, professional help is required.
Dr. Kunal Arora is a highly skilled Interventional Radiologist based out of Endovascular Care Centre in Mumbai, India. He offers advanced minimally invasive procedures, including plantar fasciitis embolisation in Mumbai, which can help manage pain and improve recovery in suitable cases.
Booking an appointment with him goes a long way in alleviating your heel pain.
