Learning About Podiatrist Care

Some Helpful Information About A Foot Condition Called Plantar Fasciitis

If you are experiencing horrible pains on the bottom of one or both of your feet, then you may be experiencing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. You can learn about this condition, so you can better determine if this may be the cause of your pain. You should see a podiatrist for foot pain, but this writing may help you in the meantime. 

What Is the Plantar Fascia?

The Plantar Fascia is a thick ligament that connects the front of your foot to the heel of your foot. This ligament serves several purposes. Not only does it connect one part of your foot to the other, but it also helps to support the arch of your foot which helps you walk correctly and it acts as a shock absorber for your foot. 

What Can Cause Plantar Fasciitis?

While the plantar fascia does so much for your feet, it also has a lot of weaknesses and the fact that it is located on the bottom of your foot doesn't help. It can end up getting bruised when you do something like walk on a large stone, when you repeatedly walk or run on hard surfaces, or when you are overweight and spend a good amount of time on your feet. 

You can also end up tearing your plantar fascia. When you walk, the plantar fascia will stretch to a certain point to accommodate each step. However, it doesn't have much stretch to it. This is one reason why shoes with good arch support are so important, they help to minimize the amount of stretch that is demanded of it. Too much stretching can cause the plantar fascia to tear and/or become inflamed. 

These types of injuries to the plantar fascia is known as plantar fasciitis. It can be a very painful condition. One way to tell if this is what's wrong with your feet is when your feet hurt. It is often most painful when someone goes to walk first thing in the morning when they have plantar fasciitis.

What Can Help With the Pain of Plantar Fasciitis?

The best thing to do when you think you have this issue is to see a podiatrist because they can help you after determining what the best treatment would be for you. Until you can see the podiatrist, you can try a few things to help get the pain to subside. You can take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory. You can also freeze a small-sized water bottle with water in it, until the water is solid ice. Then, sit in a comfortable chair and slowly roll the water bottle from the start of your toes to your heel, then back to your toes. Do this until you feel relief. You can also wake up early, so you have time to rub your feet for a little bit before you attempt to walk.

For more information about plantar fasciitis relief, contact a podiatrist near you.


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