Choosing Inserts for Flat Feet: A Podiatry Blog

How Can You Best Deal With Plantar Fasciitis?

If you've ever suffered from foot pain, you know how debilitating it can be and how much it can affect your everyday life. So, you may be particularly upset if you jump out of bed one morning only to scream in pain with a new and unexpected issue. What could this be, and how can you find some relief?

Understand Your Condition

This type of foot issue is likely to be plantar fasciitis. It affects a certain part of the foot, where a dense band of connective tissue runs from the heel bone to the base of each of your toes. This tissue helps to control the movement of the toes in relation to the heel and is a crucial part of your mechanical structure.

Who Is Vulnerable?

Unfortunately, plantar fasciitis affects a significant portion of the population and especially those who may participate in active sports. Even if you don't run or play football or rugby, you may still encounter this issue if you happen to be overweight or getting towards retirement. In addition, those people who tend to have a limited range of movement around the ankle may also be vulnerable.

What Causes This Issue?

Some experts think that plantar fasciitis may be caused by inflammation, while others think it may be more degenerative. Either way, it can create a considerable amount of pain that is not likely to go away without some further intervention.

Stretching Exercises

Try to stretch your calf muscles as soon as you encounter this issue. You may also try to stretch out the sole if it's not too painful, and you can consider adding ice to the area. Always wrap the ice in a tea towel or similar, or ensure that it is otherwise covered, so you do not encounter any burns when applying it to your bare skin. You may also need to take a break from any active sports, and try to spend less time on your feet.

Corrective Footwear

You may also be able to get special footwear to help you deal with this heel pain. Alternatively, you can get custom insoles or orthotics from your podiatrist to help alleviate the condition.

Talk To A Podiatrist

It may be a good idea to consult a podiatrist in every case to confirm whether you do have plantar fasciitis or if your heel pain could be caused by something else entirely. In some cases, it can be linked to inflammatory arthritis, certain nerve irritation or even a stress fracture.

Reach out to a podiatry service such as Sydney City Podiatry to learn more.


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