One of the most common heel problems that one could suffer from. It mostly occurs when you increase your physical activities and plantar fasciitis, which is actually tissue getting inflamed, causes unbearable pain in the heel as you walk or place it on the floor. Let’s understand what plantar fasciitis actually is!

What is plantar fasciitis?

Many people often complain about the excruciating pain in their heels as they walk or when they place them on the floor. Like mentioned above, plantar fasciitis is a tough, fibrous band of tissue that is placed at the sole of the foot. It is stretched between the heel bone and the toe of the foot. It also supports the arch of the foot and helps with foot mechanism during walking or running. So, the pain occurs when plantar fasciitis is inflamed.

The general experience is that when people place their feet on the floor, it will be this plantar fasciitis pain that will begin. As the day goes by, the pain gradually decreases. But for some people who tend to stand for long hours, the stabbing pain comes back. Podiatrists are foot and ankle doctors who can help you with easing the pain and make your mornings comfortable. So, if you are experiencing such a condition, it is advised that you consult a podiatrist near you. Let's look at the possible symptoms that can diagnose plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis

• Plantar fasciitis is also known as the first-step pain. Because one would experience terrible pain first thing in the morning as he places his foot on the floor and begins to walk around.
• Generally, the pain or discomfort degree decreases over the course of the day.
• If someone has prolonged hours of standing or any vigorous activity, then the pain can increase.
• A sudden episode of pain can occur after missing a step or jumping from a height.
• The pain can become more intense if the individual walks barefoot or with shoes that have minimal support.
• The pain mostly occurs in the heel of the foot.

Just looking at these points cannot clearly diagnose if you have plantar fasciitis or not. For further examination, one must consult a podiatrist and get a full-detailed check-up for the same. Podiatrists are the specialist doctors who deal with ankle and foot injuries and diseases. Now let's understand what can cause plantar fasciitis.

Causes of plantar fasciitis

As mentioned above, the pain that one would experience is because of the inflammation that occurred or increased in the plantar fasciitis. There are reasons why inflammation might occur. Let's have a look at those.

• Increased weight in the body or the weight carried for the activity.
• The kinds of shoes you wear
• The surface where you are walking, running, or jumping
• If you have recently increased your activity, like walking, running, or other
• The structure of the foot can also impact the inflammation.
• Some people experience plantar fasciitis because of medical conditions like arthritis or lupus.
• Some people have experienced this on the basis of the ageing factor. People from age 40 to 60 have complained about pain as compared to the younger group.
• Certain types of exercises can also impact the pressure on the foot, which can lead to plantar fasciitis. These exercises, like aerobics, long distance running or ballet dancing, can increase the stress on your foot.
• People with long-term hour jobs, such as teachers, factory workers, and others, may be able to experience it sooner than other groups of professionals. If they have to stand and walk for longer hours, that can also add stress to the foot if they are not wearing supportive shoes.

Final Thought  

If you are experiencing plantar fasciitis, then it is important that you get a doctor's help. Get a podiatrist to look at your foot and get it diagnosed properly. They will give you a list of exercises that help you release the tension in the plantar fasciitis. Prescribe you some medicines that can suppress the pain for the time being. They will make you understand the reason behind the cause of your plantar fasciitis and what lifestyle changes you might have made to make you feel better. It is important that you see a doctor and seek help because if the condition is left unattended, then the pain can increase more and it can start moving upwards to your leg, hip, or even back. You definitely do not want to restrict your life because of the pain that you have been experiencing, so get it diagnosed now and relax the stress in your foot.