Most adults know what foot pain feels like. It can have various causes, and one of them is plantar fasciitis. It can affect anyone, especially professional athletes and other people whose feet are under excessive strain.
Plantar fascia is a ligament that connects the heel with the toes. When it’s under strain, small tears can occur, leading to irritation and inflammation. Plantar fasciitis can make your feet hurt when you are walking or running, so it’s important to get the right treatment to make your feet comfortable again.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
Signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis include the following:
- foot pain and tenderness, especially in the heel;
- the sole of the foot may feel warm and swollen;
- in some cases, a heel spur may be present;
- the pain may be worse when you stand up after sitting or lying down for some time;
- the pain may also be worse after you’ve been on your feet for a prolonged period of time.
Risk factors for plantar fasciitis
Some people are more likely than others to develop plantar fasciitis. You’re at a higher risk of the condition if:
- you are aged between 40 and 60;
- you are a professional athlete or a dancer;
- you have extra weight;
- you have flat feet or high-arched feet;
- you wear ill-fitting shoes;
- you work at a factory or as a teacher, or in a different profession that requires being on your feet for a long time.
Treatment of plantar fasciitis
Treatment of plantar fasciitis may include the following:
- over-the-counter pain medicines;
- steroid injections;
- physical therapy;
- night splints and orthopedic inserts;
- ice massages;
- surgery, if other treatments didn’t work.
If you have developed foot pain, don’t delay a visit to your doctor. Even though plantar fasciitis is not a dangerous condition, it can make your feet hurt a lot if it’s left untreated.
