Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain

Heel pain is a common ailment suffered by many people, and plantar fasciitis and heel pain are often chronic conditions. Heel pain is usually felt in the heels; however, it can also occur in the ball of the foot or even in the toes. The pain is usually caused by abnormal stresses being placed on the plantar fascia, which is a thin layer of tissue that attaches to the heel bone to the base of the toes.

Heel pain can be treated at home with over-the-counter medication, or in more serious cases, medical attention may be needed. Treatment options will depend on what has caused the plantar fasciitis, if the condition is severe enough. Plantar fasciitis treatments may include the use of a brace to stabilize the foot and ankle, stretching and exercise programs, physical therapy and surgery. Depending upon the severity of the condition, each of these treatment options may be required for healing.

Many people tend to neglect their feet and hips, and do not make any attempt to properly take care of them. In fact, most people do not even realize they have plantar fasciitis until it is too late to do anything about it. Improper foot and ankle care can lead to a host of problems, including poor walking posture, shin splints and muscle fatigue. Wearing the wrong kind of shoes is one of the main reasons that people develop plantar fasciitis and correcting this issue can eliminate or greatly reduce the symptoms.

Some of the most common shoes people wear, such as running shoes, are made of a very tough material, which may actually cause plantar fasciitis. Shoes that are poorly manufactured, or that are poorly fit can put undue stress on the foot and ankle, causing inflammation and pain. In order to avoid this problem, make sure your shoes fit properly, and that you change them often. It is also a good idea to wear proper foot support every time you run.

The more commonly known shoe type for plantar fasciitis is basketball shoes. However, many people still suffer from the condition, even though many manufacturers have improved the manufacture of these shoes. Although they are very stiff and inflexible, these shoes are still made with a wide arch designed to keep the foot and ankle aligned correctly, reducing the stress caused by excessive pressure. With proper orthotics and a proper shoe, most people can continue to play sports without having any more plantar fasciitis issues.

Surgery is also an option for plantar fasciitis and heel pain, but the decision whether or not to treat the condition should not be taken lightly. Surgery does have its benefits, such as a longer recovery time and quicker return to sporting activities. However, the downside is the expense and potential for complications. Discuss your condition with your doctor thoroughly before deciding on a surgery regimen.