Comprised of over 50 bones, 200 muscles, 60 joints, tendons, and ligaments, the feet are a very important part of the body. Foot health affects your quality of life, productivity, and physical activity. Working, shopping, and walking help you maintain a self-sufficient lifestyle – so taking care of your feet is imperative.
With foot pain, you do not function at your best. And, with poor foot health, you are less likely to be physically active. Inactivity can result in other problems such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Regular and preventative foot care keeps you from a common foot problem known as plantar fasciitis and helps lessen the need for foot surgery.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition affecting adults of every age. Your fascia* is a long, thin tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot It provides arch support and connects your heel to the front of your foot. When it is overstretched, you can get tiny tears in the tissue that can cause pain and inflammation. Sometimes the pain can be so great it becomes difficult to walk.
Symptoms
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis vary from person to person. It usually occurs in your heel but can occur in the arch or on top of the foot. It can be the most painful with those first steps in the morning, after being off your feet for an extended time or after you spend a long time on your feet.
- Pain can be chronic or only felt when walking or standing. This is the result of a weakened, torn, and inflamed tissue. A podiatrist may perform a sonogram on the foot to see better see the fascia.
- Inflammation can occur on the inside or outside of the foot. It can be seen as swelling or redness on the foot.
- Inflexibility can be due to overuse, poor footwear, inflammation, or a tear in the fascia making it more difficult to flex your feet.
Treatment**
Some at-home exercises and techniques serve as the first means of treatment. Icing and manipulating the foot through massage can relieve pain. Always wear shoes with good support. Going barefoot adds strain to the fascia. Stretching your calf muscles is one of the most recommended methods of easing plantar fasciitis. But first, see your doctor or podiatrist for proper stretching exercises and footwear recommendations. If the condition becomes more painful, physical therapy is often prescribed by your doctor. These methods are natural remedies used to relieve pain and discomfort.
Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories are often used for pain. These should not be taken for long periods of time so speak with your doctor when using over-the-counter drugs. There are also night splints your doctor can prescribe to wear while you sleep that stretch your calf and foot. But, if the pain from plantar fasciitis becomes unbearable and the aforementioned treatment plans are unsuccessful, your doctor may recommend surgery for a long-term solution.
Omnibus Home Health Care provides our clients with the best in-home health care available. Our staff of highly skilled professionals offers quality care for you or a loved one. We accept many insurance plans including traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid HMO, and private insurances plans. We will check benefit coverage on all insurance. This is not a guarantee of acceptance of coverage for our services. Acceptance is based on eligibility, medical necessity, and the requirements of our company guidelines. For more information on insurance coverage call 409.724.7000 and visit our Facebook page for the latest information from our staff.
**The fascia holds the muscle together and keeps it in the correct place. The fascia separates the muscles so they can work independently of each other. The fascia provides a lubricated surface so that the muscles can move smoothly against each other.
**Always consult your doctor before treating any foot pain.