Plantar Fasciitis

Do you feel a stabbing pain in your heels the first time you put your feet down after waking up in the morning? 

This can be due to a condition known as plantar fasciitis, which affects your heels. 

Plantar fasciitis occurs when you put too much pressure on your feet. The pain is quite severe in the morning or if you have been sitting for a long time. 

The condition is treatable. Most importantly, physiotherapy can help you manage the condition without the need for surgeries or medications. 

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Have you heard of the plantar fascia? 

It is a thin, long ligament present on the bottom of your feet just beneath the skin. The purpose of the plantar fascia is to connect your heel to the front of your feet. It also supports the arch of your foot, thereby helping you walk or move efficiently. 

We use this plantar fascia more frequently than we realize. 

Thus, it is common to overuse the ligament leading to plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation of the plantar fascia. 

Some factors that may lead to the condition: 

• Obesity 
• High-impact activity in a repetitive motion 
• Anatomy 
• Standing on hard surfaces for a long time 
• Age 
• Tight calf muscles 

The exact cause of this condition is still not clear. People between 40 and 70 years old are at the highest risk of developing plantar fasciitis. 

What are the Symptoms? 

• As mentioned earlier, plantar fasciitis causes sharp pain in your heels.
• It is worse in the morning. 
• The heels become stiff, thereby not letting you move properly. 
• You may also feel the pain in your heels after workouts. 
• The pain is more prominent when you have stopped after doing an activity. 

It is always recommended to consult with a physiotherapist as soon as you notice the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. 

How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis Without Surgeries? 

Here are some effective non-invasive treatment options:

Physiotherapy

As you may know, physiotherapy is the study of human movement. Thus, the physiotherapist helps you restore your normal movement through specific exercises. They focus on stretching and strengthening your plantar fascia. 

Stretching exercises

This condition occurs due to overuse of the plantar fascia which in turn stiffens the ligament. Thus, gentle stretching exercises can help the ligament relax. It is able to loosen up, thereby reducing the pain in your heels. 

Shockwave therapy

Shockwave therapy boosts the natural healing process of your body. The professional directs sound waves on the affected area to stimulate its healing. It is an excellent treatment option for pain, swelling and numbness. 

All in all, you may not always need surgeries to treat plantar fascia. The above-mentioned treatments can also help you recover and restore an active lifestyle. 

You will find all the treatments right at Legend Physiotherapy Clinic under one roof. The physiotherapists have extensive years of experience in this field, thereby assuring you of utmost care and attention.