DR TARIQ JAGNARINE
MOTHER MEDICINE, ENDOCRINOLOGY / DIABETS
Plantar fasciitis causes pain in the lower heel. The plantar fascia is a thick web-like ligament that connects the heel to the front of the foot. It acts as a shock absorber and supports the arch of your foot, helping people to walk.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common orthopedic complaints. The plantar fascia nappies experience a lot of wear and tear from daily activities. Too much pressure on the feet can damage or tear the nappies. The plantar fascia is inflamed, and the inflammation causes heel pain and stiffness.
The cause of discomfort of plantar fasciitis is still unclear. A 2003 study suggested that the condition may include ligament degeneration due to stress.
PLANTAR FASHION CASES
Active men and women aged 40 to 70 are at highest risk for developing plantar fasciitis. It is also slightly more common in women than men. Pregnant women often experience bouts of plantar fasciitis, especially during late pregnancy.
People are more at risk of developing overweight or obese plantar fasciitis. This is due to the increased pressure on the plantar fascia nappies, especially if they gain weight quickly.
Some jobs can lead to an increased risk of plantar fasciitis such as barbers, waitresses, tailors, drivers, athletes, etc.
Having a structural foot problem, such as very high arches or very flat feet increases the chance of developing plantar fasciitis. Tight Achilles tendons, which are the tendons that connect the calf muscles to the heels, can also lead to plantar fascia pain. Wearing shoes with soft soles and poor arch support can also lead to plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is not typical due to heel triggers.
PLANTAR FASCIITIS SYMPTOMS
* The main complaint of those with plantar fasciitis is pain at the bottom of the heel or sometimes in the lower mid-foot area. It usually affects only one foot, but it can affect both feet. Pain from plantar fasciitis develops gradually over time. The pain can be dull or sharp.
* Some people feel burn or pain in the bottom of the foot extending out of the heel.
* The pain is usually worse in the morning. Climbing stairs can be very difficult due to heel stiffness.
* After prolonged activity, the pain may flare up due to increased inflammation or irritation. People with plantar fasciitis do not usually feel pain during the activity, but rather after stopping.
FASCIITIS PLASAR TEST AND DIAGNOSIS
A physical examination of the foot is performed to check for tenderness and exact location of the pain. This is to ensure that the pain is not due to a different foot problem. During the evaluation, patients may need to flex their foot as they push on the plantar fascia to see if the pain exacerbates flexion and relaxation. Signs of mild redness or swelling are examined, along with any foot deformity.
Reflexes, muscle tone, sense of touch and balance of sight coordination are also explored.
An X-ray or MRI scan may be needed to check that nothing else is causing the heel pain, such as a bone fracture.
PLANTAR FASCIITIS TREATMENT
* Home treatments such as rest, icing, and the use of braces and anti-inflammatory drugs are often the first ways to treat plantar fasciitis. If those do not relieve the pain, an injection of corticosteroid directly into the damaged part of the ligament may help.
* Physical therapy is a key part of treatment for plantar fasciitis. It can help extend the plantar fascia and Achilles tendons. A physical therapist can show people exercises to strengthen their lower leg muscles, helping to stabilize their walk and reduce workload on the plantar fascia.
* If pain persists and other methods do not work, extracorporeal shock wave therapy is recommended. In this therapy, sound waves pellet the heel to stimulate healing within the ligament.
* Plantar fasciitis surgery: Surgery is the most dramatic therapy. This is only done in cases where pain is severe or lasts for more than 6 to 12 months. In plantar fascia relief, surgeons partially remove the plantar fascia from the heel bone. This reduces tension, but weakens the bow of the foot, and full function can be lost.
* Surgery can lead to chronic pain and nerve damage, so should only be considered after other treatment options have been tried.
PLANTAR FASCIITIS PRACTICES
Gentle stretches can help relieve and even prevent plantar fasciitis. Stretching the calves and plantar fascia itself, helps to loosen the muscles and reduce heel pain. It is important to take time away from some exercises, such as running, to give the plantar fascia time to heal. Swimming and other low impact activities can provide some exercise without exacerbating the heel pain.
* Stop and stretch while exercising to keep the pain from returning. Remember to stretch before you start work.
HOME MENTION FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Reducing pain and inflammation or inflammation in the plantar fascia ligament is an important part of treatment, but this does not address the underlying damage to the ligament.
* Initial treatment at home involves staying off the feet and applying ice for 15 to 20 minutes, three or four times a day to reduce swelling.
* Reduce or change the exercise activities. Using bow supports in shoes, replacing worn out athletic shoes, and doing stretching exercises can also help relieve pain.
* Panadoles, Ibuprofens, Diclofenac, can relieve ligament pain.
* Braces and support
* Night splints are another treatment that can help extend the calf and foot arch. Night splints are a type of brake that holds the foot in an agile position and extends the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon overnight. This can prevent morning pain and stiffness.
* Special orthotics or arch supports, for footwear can help relieve some of the pain by weight distribution, and can prevent further damage to the plantar fascia.
* Stay at a healthy weight. If overweight, try to lose weight to reduce pressure on the plantar fascia.
COMPLETE PLANTAR FASCIITIS
People can develop chronic heel pain if they ignore the condition. This can change the way they walk and cause injury to your:
* Legs
Knee
* Hips
* According to
Steroid injections and some other treatments can weaken the plantar fascia ligament and possibly cause fracture of the ligament.
Surgery carries the risks of bleeding, infection, and responses to anesthesia. Plantar fascia detachment can also cause foot changes and nerve damage.
Prognosis
Most people do not need surgery to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis. Instead, their condition improves through physical therapy, home treatments, and medical treatments. However, treatment can take several months to 2 years to cure the symptoms.
Healthy feet without pain can help provide a more productive day. In addition, not all heel pains – “SPUR” which would be discussed in the next article.
