When your feet are afflicted with pain, it can be challenging to determine what the root cause of the problem is. In some scenarios, the pain could stem from straining, and in others, it could be due to an underlying injury. Knowing the cause of your discomfort is crucial so that you can discern how serious the condition is and seek treatment from a podiatrist quickly. Plantar fasciitis is one of the common ailments that people struggle with when they develop heel pain.
Since it affects one's heel, this condition can have a massive impact on your wellbeing, as the pain can be too debilitating to engage in activities that require you on your feet. Before you assume that the discomfort will abate on its own, check out the following straightforward guide on what you should know regarding plantar fasciitis.
What is it?
Named after ligaments in your foot, the plantar fascia refers to tendons that connect your heel to the front of your foot. The function of this ligament is to provide you with arch support while also acting as shock absorbers when your walk, jog or run, which helps with maintaining your stability when you walk.
Once you develop plantar fasciitis, the ligament in question starts to decline from progressive, undue wear, which comes about when exposing the affected foot to strenuous activities such as being on your feet all day, running and more. As a result, the ligament gets inflamed, and this is what causes the crippling pain.
Who is at risk of developing plantar fasciitis?
Generally speaking, people of all ages can develop plantar fasciitis since it stems from excessive overworking. Nonetheless, there are serval risk factors that would make you more susceptible to developing this condition than other people. Age is a leading contributor to one's vulnerability to developing plantar fasciitis, as the older you become, the weaker this ligament, and other muscles, become and this makes it vulnerable to injury.
Furthermore, runners and ballet dancers are also at a higher threat of developing plantar fasciitis and this can be attributed to the excessive strain that these sports exert on the foot. It is also worth noting that individuals with flat feet or high arches can also contend with this problem occasionally.
How will a podiatrist treat plantar fasciitis?
Before you can receive any treatment, the podiatrist first needs to assess the gravity of your affliction. They will do this by physically examining the foot and then directing you to engage in several movements that will determine your range of motion. Treatment typically entails prescribing pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, the podiatrist may administer a corticosteroid injection and prescribe physical therapy.
Share11 March 2021
Having a fungal infection on your feet can be really annoying. You may find that your feet feel itchy, uncomfortable and that they don't smell great. The aim of this blog is to provide you with all of the info you need to fight a fungal infection. We are not trained podiatrist, but we have dedicated many hours to learning all we can about this subject. We will also be posting info about other conditions which can affect your feet and we hope to highlight how a podiatrist can help you to tackle them. Thank you for stopping by to read our blog!