The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects the toes and the heel. It also provides support for the arch of your foot, making it one of those body parts you do not want to injure. Unfortunately, plantar fasciitis, inflammation of this band, is extremely common.

Straining your plantar fascia is bad news because an injury can lead to swelling, weakness, and inflammation of the foot. Ultimately, this leads to pain and stiffness when you are walking.

This guide will alleviate some of the common worries about plantar fasciitis, ensuring that you receive the treatment you need to live a pain-free lifestyle.

Who Gets Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis most commonly occurs in middle-aged people, especially if they use their feet a lot. For instance, factory workers are at higher risk for plantar fasciitis than an office worker who spends most of the day sitting.

Exercise can also cause plantar fasciitis. You are at higher risk for the condition if you participate in athletic activities that involve long-distance running, jumping, and aerobic movements.

The condition can occur in either one or both feet to varying severity, depending on the type of injury. For instance, you might roll your feet or wear bad shoes, resulting in injury. Improper stretching before physical activity can also lead to this problem.

How Is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?

Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed by a medical professional after a series of examinations. The doctor will likely want to test your reflexes and assess your muscle tone. They will use their hands to see how your pain receptors respond and look at your coordination to see how your body is balanced. You will point and flex your toe to see how your body tolerates potential pain levels. Finally, the doctor may use an x-ray to check for a potential bone fracture.

How Is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?

Many of the treatments for plantar fasciitis are things you can do at home. For instance, you can rest while icing your heel to soothe the pain right away. You can also take ibuprofen when the pain is at its zenith.

You can also work on stretching your calves and toes as a preventative measure. You might also change the shoes you wear or insert an insole that helps to better support your arch.

The doctor may have additional recommendations for you, including wearing splints or having a steroid shot in your heel. Surgery is available only on rare occasions.

If you think a doctor can help you with your plantar fascia pain, contact a medical facility like Advanced Foot Clinic. Relief is available.