Treating Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain can be common, but it can also be debilitating for many individuals. This means that you need to have proper diagnosis of your pain. The only way to develop a treatment option that your pain will respond to is by determining what condition you are dealing with. Plantar Fasciitis is a condition that normally presents itself as pain in the heel. Plantar fascia is a tendon within the foot that begins at the heel and is connected to a bone at the top of your foot. It is essentially what forms the arch of your foot and is often the cause of most heel pain. There are a variety of ways that Plantar Fasciitis can be treated once proper diagnosis is reached.

Weight Loss

One of the main causes of Plantar Fasciitis is weight gain. The plantar fascia is designed to withstand the force that occurs when you walk, but over time this can wear out the tendon. If you are overweight this only puts more stress on your heel and results in increased amount of pain. This means that losing weight can provide relief for many individuals suffering from Plantar Fasciitis.

Lessen Activity

It is not just individuals that are overweight who experience this type of heel pain. It is also common in people that are very active and fit. In most cases, you may be putting too much strain on your plantar fascia through your exercise routine. This means that lessening your activity level can reduce the pain and allow healing to occur. Some people are even urged by their podiatrist to halt all activity until pain is completely gone.

Orthotics

It is also possible for the cause of your heel pain to be due to the height of your arch. Orthotics can be inserted into your shoes that provide you with increased levels of support. Many people dealing with Plantar Fasciitis respond to this type of treatment. It is important that you are fitted for your aesthetics to ensure that it offers the exact amount of support that you require for the shape of your arch.

Stretching

The stretching of your plantar fascia is another way that you can find relief. You simply stand up straight and place the heel with the pain behind your other leg. Bend your legs at the knees and keep this position for a minute. You can repeat this stretch over again each day until you notice a change in your condition.