Plantar fasciitis is inflammation that occurs in the plantar fascia, which is the tissue under the foot that runs from the heel to the toe. This tissue serves as a buffer for the soles of the feet and dampers vibrations when walking.
Too much pressure on the foot will cause injury or tearing in the tissue, which will further become inflamed and cause pain in the heel. Although it can happen to anyone, this condition is more experienced by people over the age of 40 years.
Plantar Fasciitis Causes
It is not yet known exactly what causes plantar fasciitis. However, this condition is thought to be the result of excessive pressure on the plantar fascia.
There are several factors that can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis, namely:
Age
Plantar fasciitis generally occurs in individuals aged 40–70 years.
Gender
Women are more prone to plantar fasciitis, especially in late pregnancy.
Obesity
Obesity can cause excessive pressure on the plantar fascia.
Exercise
Plantar fasciitis can occur in types of exercise that put a lot of excess pressure on the heel, such as long-distance running, aerobics, and ballet.
Work
Teachers, factory workers, athletes, soldiers, and other professions whose jobs require them to stand for long periods are more at risk of plantar fasciitis.
Problems with the feet
Plantar fasciitis is more at risk in someone who has a foot shape that is too flat or too curved or has an abnormal way of walking.
Other diseases
Reactive arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis can trigger the onset of plantar fasciitis.
Type of shoes
The use of shoes with soles that are too soft and do not support the soles of the feet properly can also trigger the occurrence of plantar fasciitis. The use of high heels can also increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
Plantar fasciitis causes a stabbing pain in the area around the heel. Pain is felt most severely in the morning and if the patient stands too long. Pain is also more severe after exercising, not during exercise.
Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made based on the patient’s medical history and physical examination, especially the orthopedic examination of the feet. Some supporting examinations that can be done to help the doctor rule out other causes such as pinched nerves or fractures, among others with X-rays and MRIs.
In the case of plantar fasciitis, often X-rays show the presence of bone spur that arises from the heel bone that was once thought to be the cause of pain in plantar fasciitis. However, recent studies have shown that many individuals with bone spurs do not feel pain.
Plantar Fasciitis Prevention
To reduce the risk of plantar fasciitis, use footwear that is soft, comfortable, and in accordance with the activities you are doing. Avoid strenuous activities. Also make sure not to force yourself to do a tiring activity of the foot if you are not used to it or if your foot is injured.
Exercise regularly. Don’t forget to do an adequate heating and cooling process. Exercise will make all the muscles of the body, including the leg muscles, more flexible.
Prevent various problems in the leg muscles by keeping body weight in normal numbers. Obesity is known to put an additional burden on the legs and can cause problems later in life.
Plantar fasciitis first aid
If you feel you have plantar fasciitis, there are several first aid steps that can be done at home.
- Do a cold compress with ice wrapped in a towel, periodically for 20 minutes, as much as 4 times a day.
- Rest your feet from a long road and stand for longer than 20 minutes non-stop.
- Raise your feet with one pillow when sleeping.
- Stretch the calf muscles regularly in the morning after waking up and the night before going to bed.
Another first aid that can be done, is taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen that are sold freely without a prescription.
The goal is to relieve heel pain in the short term. Take only according to the instructions and keep an eye on the side effects that can occur.
Excessive use of NSAIDs can cause abdominal pain or bleeding and kidney damage.
It is best to do control and consult directly to an orthopedic surgeon if the pain is constant felt for one month with therapy at home.
After proper treatment, it is important to rest yourself from various strenuous activities. Because, this condition causes the tissue in the legs to become damaged or torn.
Rest is an important part of healing. Instead, avoid strenuous exercise activities, such as running and aerobics classes.
If you want to do sports, you should choose the type of low impact sports, such as swimming or cycling.
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