Plantar Fasciitis: Problems and Solutions
So, You Have Plantar Fasciitis—Now What?
If you’ve noticed a persistent pain in your heel that just won’t let up, chances are you’re exhibiting a classic sign of plantar fasciitis, i.e., inflammation of the plantar fascia.
While it’s a condition commonly associated with athletes, plantar fasciitis does not discriminate. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, plantar fasciitis accounts for millions of doctor visits in the United States every year, with 1 in 10 people estimated to experience a flare-up at some point in their life.
That’s a lot of feet.
So, what’s happening underneath the surface, and more importantly, how can you alleviate plantar pain?
Understanding The Plantar Fascia
Within the sole of your foot is the plantar fascia, a thick, fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes and protects the muscles and tendons inside.
Latin for foot sole and band, the plantar fascia can be thought of as a rubber band in the arch of your foot, absorbing shock after shock and providing much-needed support with every step.
Although your feet are designed to sustain occasional stressors, repetitive motions such as walking and running, and flexing beyond the normal range of motion, can increase tension and stress. This can cause wear and tear to the plantar fascia itself, leading to a condition you’re already very much familiar with: Plantar Fasciitis.
So, You Have Plantar Fasciitis—Now What?
If you’ve noticed a persistent pain in your heel that just won’t let up, chances are you’re exhibiting a classic sign of plantar fasciitis, i.e., inflammation of the plantar fascia.
While it’s a condition commonly associated with athletes, plantar fasciitis does not discriminate. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, plantar fasciitis accounts for millions of doctor visits in the United States every year, with 1 in 10 people estimated to experience a flare-up at some point in their life.
That’s a lot of feet.
So, what’s happening underneath the surface, and more importantly, how can you alleviate plantar pain?
Understanding The Plantar Fascia
Within the sole of your foot is the plantar fascia, a thick, fibrous band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes and protects the muscles and tendons inside.
Latin for foot sole and band, the plantar fascia can be thought of as a rubber band in the arch of your foot, absorbing shock after shock and providing much-needed support with every step.
Although your feet are designed to sustain occasional stressors, repetitive motions such as walking and running, and flexing beyond the normal range of motion, can increase tension and stress. This can cause wear and tear to the plantar fascia itself, leading to a condition you’re already very much familiar with: Plantar Fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot and heel pain in adults.
The Plantar Fascia is long ligament that is positioned along the bottom of the foot, just above the skin. The shorter denser end of the ligament attaches directly to the calcaneus (heel bone) and the thinner, wider end attaches to the metatarsal bones, which are the base of the toes.
The Heel Bone is the anchor of the body; on the top side of the bone, the achilles tendon is attached and the bottom, posterior end, you'll find the plantar fascia.
The Plantar Fascia could be described as a 'dynamic stabilizer' for both the feet and body as a whole. It is made up of three strong bands of tissue: the Medial Band, the Longitudinal Band (Plantar Aponeurosis) and the Lateral Band.
The Plantar Fascia stretches when the foot hits the ground, absorbing energy and 'shock' from the impact. Damage, inflammation or even tears in the plantar fascia ligament (mainly the Plantar Aponeurosis) can occur after long periods of repetitive strain or intense exercise. Pain is usually the felt in the most intense way in the morning, when the foot first hits the floor and stretches out the ligament.
The Plantar Fascia is long ligament that is positioned along the bottom of the foot, just above the skin. The shorter denser end of the ligament attaches directly to the calcaneus (heel bone) and the thinner, wider end attaches to the metatarsal bones, which are the base of the toes.
The Heel Bone is the anchor of the body; on the top side of the bone, the achilles tendon is attached and the bottom, posterior end, you'll find the plantar fascia.
The Plantar Fascia could be described as a 'dynamic stabilizer' for both the feet and body as a whole. It is made up of three strong bands of tissue: the Medial Band, the Longitudinal Band (Plantar Aponeurosis) and the Lateral Band.
The Plantar Fascia stretches when the foot hits the ground, absorbing energy and 'shock' from the impact. Damage, inflammation or even tears in the plantar fascia ligament (mainly the Plantar Aponeurosis) can occur after long periods of repetitive strain or intense exercise. Pain is usually the felt in the most intense way in the morning, when the foot first hits the floor and stretches out the ligament.
