Plantar fasciitis is one of the leading causes of heel pain. The thick, web-like ligament known as the plantar fascia supports the foot’s arch and relieves strain when you run or walk. Tiny tears may form in this tissue as a result of strain or overuse, causing pain and inflammation in the foot’s arch and heel.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis can vary depending on the severity of the condition.
This is the most common symptom, often felt first thing in the morning or after sitting for a long time. The pain is usually intense with the first few steps and may improve with movement but can return after prolonged activity.
Many individuals also experience discomfort in the arch, which can be stiff and tender, especially after standing or walking for long periods.
The pain tends to be sharper after physical activity, especially after jogging or walking extensively. Flare-ups are common after such activities, making daily movements more difficult.
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Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia is subjected to strong tension, causing microtears and inflammation. Predispositions include foot mechanics, obesity, age, and activity. People with flat feet, high arches, improper weight distribution, and overweight individuals are more susceptible. The condition is most common in individuals aged 40-60, and high-impact activities like running or dancing are more risky. Poorly fitted shoes, prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces, and rigid calf muscles or Achilles tendons also contribute to the condition.
Individuals with flat feet or high arches are more prone to plantar fasciitis. These conditions can cause improper weight distribution, increasing stress on the plantar fascia, leading to microtears and inflammation.
Extra weight places additional stress on knee joints, accelerating cartilage damage.Being overweight adds extra pressure on the feet, especially the heel and arch, making the plantar fascia more likely to suffer strain and develop tears. The added weight also affects overall foot mechanics.
The condition is most common in individuals between the ages of 40-60. As we age, the plantar fascia loses some of its elasticity and flexibility, making it more susceptible to injury from regular wear and tear.
Activities like running, dancing, or other sports that involve repetitive pounding on hard surfaces can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis. These activities place added strain on the feet, especially the heel, which may lead to microtears in the fascia.
Wearing shoes that do not offer proper support or cushioning can contribute to plantar fasciitis. Shoes that are too tight, too loose, or lack arch support can cause abnormal stress on the feet, increasing the risk of injury to the plantar fascia.
Jobs or activities that require long hours of standing or walking on hard surfaces (like concrete) can place continuous strain on the feet, particularly the heel, contributing to the development of plantar fasciitis.
Individuals with tight calf muscles or shortened Achilles tendons are at an increased risk of plantar fasciitis. Tightness in these areas can limit the flexibility of the foot, forcing the plantar fascia to absorb more impact and stress during walking or running.
Our GP Doctor will diagnosis your foot by palpating your skin and areas around it to locate the painful area; he or she might ask you to forward and downward flex your toes and ankle, respectively to test for any limitation in the range of motion.
In certain cases, X-rays or MRI scans may be ordered to give a clearer picture of the soft tissues and bones of the foot for an accurate diagnosis.
This involves the use of medications such as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and other specialised medications designed for pain management. The type and dosage are tailored to the individual’s condition and medical history.
Minimally invasive treatments aim to effectively relieve common pain conditions by targeting pain sources.
For chronic pain conditions originating from spinal issues, Neurospan can be performed by our team of pain specialists from Singapore Paincare Center.
Plantar fasciitis prevention depends on good foot health, proper footwear, and attentiveness to activity amount. The following are plantar fasciitis prevention strategies that works best:
Home remedies include icing of the inflamed area, stretching exercises of the feet and calves, use of over-the-counter orthotics, and night splints that keep the foot in alignment during sleep. Even simple changes in lifestyle, such as proper selection of footwear, can make a big difference.
If home remedies such as rest, stretching exercises, and supportive footwear do not relieve your plantar fasciitis symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
Rest can dramatically reduce the symptoms of plantar fasciitis by taking the stress off the inflamed tissue. However, rest alone does not usually cure the condition. Combining rest with stretching, supportive footwear and other treatments is usually the most effective way to manage the condition.
Yes, plantar fasciitis can most of the time be prevented by maintaining healthy weight, using supportive shoes, performing regular stretching on the feet and calf muscles, and carefully avoiding high-impact activities that can put extra stress on the feet.
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