Plantar Fasciitis

PLANTAR FASCIITIS - A COMMON AND PAINFUL PROBLEM

Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot and/or heel pain. It is an overuse and inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

Your plantar fascia ligaments experience a lot of wear and tear in your daily life. When the toes are being flexed, for example when walking or running, the fascia is stretched. Normally, these ligaments act as shock absorbers, supporting the arch of the foot. Sometimes, however, an inflammation or a rupture can occur in the fascia. Plantar fasciitis is common among athletes but can also occur after a city walk in poor quality shoes on hard surfaces.

You might be suffering from Plantar Fasciitis if you experience an increasing pain in the foot and/or heel area, and pain when walking on the toe or on the heels. Other common symptoms are morning stiffness of the foot and/or ankle and pressure pain along the fascia, especially with the big toe bent upwards.

COMMON CAUSES

Plantar Fasciitis can have several possible causes e.g. a high or low arch or hyper-pronation. Other causes may be due to heavily increased training, being overweight or having a reduced range of motion in the ankle joint.

TREATMENT AND PRODUCTS TO RELIEVE THE PAIN

Plantar Fasciitis often has a long healing process, but there are several things you can do to speed up the recovery and relieve the pain. Rehband has developed heel pads that have gained wide popularity. Both kinesiology tape and insoles can also help to both relieve pain and prevent reoccurrence of injury. Rehband offers a wide selection of insoles and heel pads, the assortment is found here.

A training program to stimulate the circulation, the range of motion, strength and stability in the foot can also be beneficial for rehabilitation. Stretching of the toes flexor muscles and the calves may also help. The rehabilitation program should be performed on a regular basis to avoid recurrence of the injury. If the pain is severe, anti-inflammatory medicine or ointment can be beneficial.