Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition that causes heel pain and in some people, heel spurs. It is characterized by swelling and irritation of the thick band of tissue that lies at the bottom of your feet called the plantar fascia. This article deals with the causes, symptoms, treatment and related issues to help you deal with plantar fasciitis.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis

The tissues covering the bones at the bottom of your foot are very thick, and are denominated in medical terms as the 'plantar fascia'. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it becomes painful, making walking difficult, especially when you take your first few steps in the morning after getting out of bed.  The most common cause of Plantar Fasciitis is abnormal pronation of the foot, causing biomechanical misalignment.  Factors that may contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis are obesity, inactivity, excessive periods of walking or standing on hard surfaces, and also badly worn shoes with insufficient arch support.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

The onset of this problem is often associated with foot pain at the bottom of your heel. This may be acute in the morning, but it often tends to improve gradually over the course of the day. Towards the evening, a dull ache replaces the pain, which may subside with adequate rest. The typical physical symptoms can include a mild swelling in the affected region, tenderness and redness at the bottom of the heel.

Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

A conservative approach to treatment is often beneficial. However, treating Plantar Fasciitis can be a process involving several months, or in some cases, even a couple of years. The average timeframe for treatment has been about 9 months. Medication to contain the inflammation, stretching exercises for the heels, and orthotic shoe inserts are among the common treatment approaches. Proper foot care is critical in treating Plantar Fasciitis.  In simple cases, arch support provided by off-the-shelf orthotic insoles can provide the needed relief.  In severe cases, a podiatrist should be consulted to help identify appropriate insoles or arch supports for your feet. In certain cases, a short cast up to the knee may be recommended. As an alternative to this approach, cast boots resembling a ski boot can be employed throughout the day (and night), except for bathing. Though some physicians may advise steroid injections, it should be understood that they are very painful and may not suit everyone. In extreme cases, surgical procedures may become necessary to bring in lasting relief.

Dealing with Plantar Fasciitis

A combination of appropriate foot exercises for plantar fasciitis, along with wearing appropriate arch support insoles, can provide effective relief to this uncomfortable condition.  There are several types of orthotic insoles and arch supports available on the market, some of which are standard off-the-shelf, while others are custom-made and are created under a podiatrist's supervision. Some studies have found that off-the-shelf insoles can be as effective as their expensive custom counterparts in relieving plantar fasciitis pain.