Are you starting your day off on a painful foot?
It could be Plantar Fasciitis!
Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the bottom of the foot between the ball of the foot and the heel. Most people have pain when taking their first step when getting out of bed in the morning, placing their foot flat on the floor. Some people have pain with prolonged standing and even at rest.
There are several possible causative factors including wearing high heels, gaining weight, and increasing the amount of time you spend standing, walking, running, or stair-climbing. In runners, increasing the mileage or frequency of workouts, as well as changing the surface or terrain you run on, may cause inflammation of the plantar fascia.
Treating plantar fasciitis consists of rest….which is difficult for the active individual! Your health care provider may recommend or prescribe anti-inflammatory medication which decreases pain and inflammation. Icing the bottom of the foot and cushioning the heel often helps ease the pain. Orthotics are often used for those with high arches or flat feet to support the foot properly.
If your pain is not relieved by the above recommendations, you may want to try physical therapy. Physical Therapy will:
Determine the causing factor.
Stretch and strengthen the plantar fascia.
Treat the pain and inflammation with manual techniques.
Strengthen the ankle and lower extremity.
If you have any questions and would like to consult a physical therapist, please stop by Joint Ventures Physical Therapy for a free injury screen with a licensed physical therapist
