With Foot Pain, What Are the Symptoms of Planar Fasciitis?

What are the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?

Foot pain can be caused by any number of reasons. Some are due to the type of activities that we partake of, some are due to our level of overall physical wellness and others are a result of both. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that can be affected by both our physical condition, as well as what we do.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis affects the portion of the foot which runs from the tips of our toes to the heel bone, or the plantar fascia, which is responsible for creating the arch in our foot. The condition is a result of this area becoming inflamed.

What are the common symptoms?

The most common symptoms is a tightening and stiffness across the bottom of your foot, especially in the heel area. These sensation are a result of over-stretching the area. The entire area may also feel numb or have a burning sensation. The level of discomfort could range from mild and dull all the way to severe.

Causes

There are many different reasons why an individual can develop plantar fasciitis. Since the causes are broad, it is important to understand what they are so that the condition can be properly treated and not simply dismissed.

• Physical characteristics- some people are born with flat feet and high arches. Having feet with both of these characteristics makes plantar fasciitis very likely.

• Your weight- People who are overweight also tend to develop this condition. The more weight you are carrying, the more stress you are placing on the arch of your foot.

• Your activities- The more active an individual is, the more likely that they will have this condition. This is especially true for runners. Going up and down stairs can also trigger symptoms.

People with plantar fasciitis do not have to exert themselves to feel the effects. Something as simple as getting out of bed first thing in the morning can trigger pain. Individuals who sit for long periods of time and then get up will also feel discomfort.

How to alleviate discomfort

After your doctor assesses your condition, one thing to remember with plantar fasciitis is to stay off of your feet as much as possible in order to reduce inflammation.

Patients have responded quite well to various physical therapy treatments including cold laser and stretching. Your pain specialist will determine which treatment options are best suited for you based on your level of discomfort and the severity of the condition.