Heel Diseases – Causes Of Plantar Fasciitis That You Don’t Take Seriously
Heel diseases are not common, like malaria and typhoid, to name a few. They exist and are very uncomfortable. You know when you want to take a walk and cannot. It literally leaves you limping.
Stress on the heel bone and its surrounding tissues can lead to various inflammatory conditions, resulting in problems with the heel. These conditions include tendinitis, bursitis, and fasciitis. Prolonged stress can also lead to the development of bone spurs and deformities.
Certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and gout can also contribute to heel problems. Among growing children, especially those involved in sports or regular exercise, the most common cause of heel pain is Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis.
This condition arises when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes inflamed and painful.
Other factors that can cause heel pain include plantar fasciitis, Achilles or flexor tendonitis/tendinosis, stress fractures, and inflamed tendons. With proper management, Sever’s disease typically resolves within a few months and does not result in long-term complications.
Our focus today is Plantar fasciitis, I don’t know how it feels for many people, but I tend to suffer it whenever I get the wrong shoes on.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that brings about painful inflammation in the heel. It affects a large ligament-like structure situated at the bottom of the foot. The condition arises when the plantar fascia ligament is subjected to strain, leading to weakness, swelling, and inflammation of the ligament. This, in turn, causes pain in the heel and arch.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes the thick band of tissue, commonly referred to as fascia, located at the bottom of the foot, which runs from the heel to the toes, to degenerate.
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What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that can be attributed to various factors, including the type of footwear worn, the structure of the foot, excessive use, and the kind of terrain walked on. The condition’s development is multifactorial which is caused by a combination of these factors.
What Are The Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is commonly associated with a sharp pain in the heel area of the foot. This pain is most intense when taking the first few steps after waking up but can also be triggered by prolonged standing or rising from a sitting position.
How Is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?
During your medical appointment, your physician will inquire about the symptoms you’re experiencing and examine your feet to determine the specific location of the pain. They may also recommend medical imaging exams such as X-rays or MRIs to ensure that any underlying issues, such as bone fractures or arthritis, do not cause your condition.
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How Is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?
There are several ways to treat foot pain, including taking a break from physical activities, stretching exercises, icing the area, strengthening the affected area, wearing different shoes or using arch supports or orthotics. Other treatments may include using night splints, taking anti-inflammatory medication, or undergoing surgery.
Surgery is not usually required for most individuals to alleviate pain caused by plantar fasciitis. However, treatment may take several months to up to two years to effectively improve the symptoms.
Typically, noticeable improvement in symptoms of plantar fasciitis occurs within 10 months of starting treatment. However, if the symptoms persist beyond this period, medical professionals may consider administering platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to alleviate inflammation.
Conclusion:
Plantar fasciitis can lead to persistent heel pain that can interfere with your daily routine if left untreated. To avoid the discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis, you may adjust your gait, potentially resulting in complications such as foot, knee, hip, or back issues. One way to treat plantar fasciitis is using lavender essential oil as a home remedy.
