Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain that can negatively affect your mobility or daily activities. It is the most common foot condition treated by health care providers.
The plantar fascia is a piece of connective tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. Plantar fasciitis involves pain and inflammation of that thick band of tissue.
Plantar fasciitis most often occurs because of injuries that have happened over time. Individuals suffering from this condition will often notice that there has been a recent change in their activity level, such as increasing distance with walking or running, or a change in the amount of time they are standing or walking. The classic symptom of it is heel pain when you take your first steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for a long period of time. It is often diagnosed in patients with these symptoms and some of the following symptoms:
- pain under the heel which increases with weight-bearing activities, such as walking, running, climbing stairs or standing on your toes.
- pain after you stand for long periods.
- pain at the beginning of exercise that gets better or temporarily goes away with increased levels of exercise, but returns when exercise is completed.
You have a greater risk of developing plantar fasciitis if you:
- are middle-aged or older.
- walk with an inward twist or roll of the foot (pronation) or have high arches or flat feet.
- are overweight or suddenly gain a lot of weight.
- have tight Achilles tendons (which attach the calf muscles to the heel bones) or tight calf muscles.
- perform activities that increase the amount of stress on your feet
- are an athlete or member of the military
Through treatment of plantar fasciitis from our therapists at Speers Health Clinics such physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, and custom orthotics, we can help make your active lifestyle pain-free.
If you have any questions about plantar fasciitis or other foot injuries, please stop in or call our clinic at 403.556.9911.
