Family Physician: A Friend to Depend On

Posted on: 6 January 2015

Plantar fasciitis is a very serious condition that causes severe pain in the heel. This condition makes it hard to walk and perform many daily activities. If you run a lot, then you are more at risk than others of developing this painful condition. This is particular true if your feet roll outward or inward while running. Plantar fasciitis pain is strongest in the morning, but it is present throughout most of the day. It helps to know what you can do to help prevent the development of this condition as well as how to properly deal with the discomfort if you have already developed it.

Preventative Measures to Reduce Development Risk

• If you're overweight, it's time to start thinking about shedding some of those unnecessary pounds. Additional body weight will put more stress on your feet. This increases your chances of developing plantar fasciitis.
• If you have to stand, run or walk for extended periods of time, you need to make sure that this is not done on a hard surface. Otherwise, you are opening yourself up to a host of problems, including plantar fasciitis development.
• Before you start any exercise routine or fitness regimen, it is crucial that you perform adequate stretches of the toes and calf muscles.
• Make sure that you have the most appropriate shoes on your feet. This is particularly true if you have been diagnosed with a flat foot. You need to ensure your shoes have adequate arch support and that the sole is very well cushioned. It may be worth considering adding a heel cup inside the shoe for additional support.

Tips to Relieve Pain Following Development

• Use ice packs or frozen bags of peas to help reduce the inflammation of your heel.
• Stock up on and take ibuprofen, acetaminophen or another type of over-the-counter pain relief medication.
• Lightly massage your heel, foot and lower leg to help promote good blow flow and circulation.
• Soak your feet in an Epsom salt and lukewarm water mixture for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Consider placing tape over the affected area for additional support and pain relief. If you're uncertain of how to properly tape your heel for optimal results, speak to your sports medicine physician.

With all of the above information, you should have no problem keeping the pain and swelling of plantar fasciitis at bay. Your foot and ankle specialist can help ensure that you are equipped with all the necessary knowledge to keep this condition from interrupting your day-to-day activities. For more information, contact a local health clinic, like Elmhurst Podiatry Center Ltd.