Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms - What to Look For and What to Do When It Gets Serious
Plantar fasciitis (or heel pain, or pain in the arch) is caused by repetitive stress and overloading on the plantar fascia ligament and the arch of the foot. When this occurs, the tissue in and around the heel bone begins to overcompensate, causing pain, inflammation, and swelling. The key to prevention is proper foot structure and function, specifically correcting posture and using insoles, or orthotics, for foot support and arch support.
Plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain, inflammation, and a reduction in mobility in the heel, especially after standing or walking for long periods. It is also known as heel pain or heel spurs. This is due to the plantar fasciitis arch, which over the years has changed drastically and lost most of its independent strength and function. The arch supports the weight of the body and allows the lower legs to bend. This constant internal pressure over time leads to the actual tear in the arch.
With proper arch support and foot structure, there is less strain on the arch and more pain relief and flexibility will occur. However, if these issues are not addressed, the condition will worsen. If your shoes are too tall, or you are using improper insoles, you may be suffering from plantar fasciitis. Your doctor might recommend orthotic insoles, which are custom orthotics designed for your particular body type and specific foot function.
One common orthotic is the heel cup, which is an insole, or shoe insert that is placed in the heel cup area of the shoe. This adds additional arch support and helps prevent heel spurs. Many people have experienced increased comfort and even pain relief with the use of this orthotic. Another option is PowerStep arch supporting footwear, which has a flexible midsole as well as arch supports. This type of shoe provides additional stability when walking. These can be a good choice for people who experience severe foot pain or other issues with the feet.
If you are experiencing plantar fasciitis pain insole symptoms, you may want to consider using an orthotic insole for added arch support and pain relief. These insoles can also be used for walking. If you choose this type of shoe, you should ask your doctor if it would be appropriate to use an orthotic insole in conjunction with a shoe with arch support. Many people find that adding a plantar fasciitis pain insole to their shoe can provide pain relief and help them avoid the pain associated with this condition.
Some of the signs and symptoms of foot inflammation include pain, swelling, redness, and inflammation. The pain and inflammation are generally worse at night and when moving the joint. You may also experience problems while walking, running, or doing simple activities.
For symptoms of pain, try adding a heating pad to the painful area to get immediate relief. Over the counter or prescription pain relievers such as ibuprofen are fine for short-term treatment. You should try adding a few stretches to your routine, such as toe stretching exercises or arch stretching exercises. Targeting the specific muscles of your feet can strengthen those muscles and help prevent fasciitis.
If you experience inflammation, the best thing to do is to rest the area, but do not wear shoes or switch to sandals until the inflammation has gone away. The best treatment of plantar fasciitis comes from prevention. Always wear the right footwear for your activity, especially if you are going to be on hard surfaces like concrete, tile, asphalt, or wood. Also, make sure to change your shoes after heavy exercise.
The most popular, podiatrist-approved, products for alleviating pain from plantar fasciitis are PowerStep arch supporting insoles. Relieve and prevent pain by combining our insoles with stretching during the day and using braces or splints overnight.
