Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments and Cures

As a runner, I know how frustrating plantar fasciitis can be. The pain and discomfort from this condition often makes it difficult to do everyday activities like walking or standing up after sitting for long periods of time. However, it’s not just athletes who suffer from this painful inflammation in the bottom of your foot; anyone with high arches, flat feet, or tight calf muscles is at risk for developing plantar fasciitis. Fortunately there are treatments that can help you recover quickly and get back on your feet! In my post today I’ll show you how to deal with plantar fasciitis so that you can start running again soon!

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common and painful condition where the plantar fascia ligament becomes inflamed, causing pain in the bottom of your foot. The plantar fascia connects your heel bone to the front of your toes and supports your arch when you are walking or standing on it.

Symptoms usually occur in one foot, but plantar fasciitis can also affect both feet at once. This condition may be caused by many factors including injury and aging, though it’s often not as clear what causes plantar fasciitis.

The plantar fascia can become inflamed because of overuse, tight calf muscles or a sudden increase in weight such as pregnancy. Improper footwear may worsen the condition if you stand for prolonged periods of time on hard surfaces, run long distances without proper support or wear shoes with a heel that is too high.

The plantar fascia can also become inflamed because of an injury, such as falling on the foot and stretching out the plantar fascia ligament. This condition may not be caused by one event but rather from “wear-and-tear” over time.

What are plantar fasciitis symptoms?

The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the bottom of your foot. You may notice this pain after standing for a long period of time or walking significant distances. Other plantar fascia ligament related problems include heel spurs and calluses on the bottom of your foot.

You may also experience plantar fasciitis symptoms when you get out of bed in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time and then standing up. You can feel mild to severe pain during plantar fascia ligament problems, which is usually worse with pressure on the bottom of your foot, especially when you take your first few steps in the morning.

There are plantar fasciitis symptoms that show up only while standing or walking and those which disappear after taking a break from plantar fascia ligament activities. The pain of plantar fascia problems is usually located on the bottom side of the heel, at the arch of the foot, or in the sole of your foot.

The type of pain is typically sharp and stabbing while standing as opposed to dull when you are sitting. The amount of pain can get worse with walking and cause a cramping sensation that lasts for hours.

You should consult with a doctor if plantar fasciitis symptoms continue to worsen over time, or if plantar fascia pain is not relieved with treatment.

If you are experiencing plantar fasciitis symptoms that affect one foot, it’s possible the other foot may also be affected and requires a doctor evaluation.

What are the causes of plantar fasciitis?

There are many causes that can lead to plantar fasciitis. The most common cause is overuse of the plantar fascia ligament, such as from too much standing on hard surfaces or unhealthy shoes. Plantar fasciitis may also be caused by injuries, such as falling on the plantar fascia ligament.

Other plantar fasciitis causes include muscle strain from excessive pronation of your foot when you walk or stand for a long time and obesity-related plantar fascia problems because excess weight puts pressure on this area of the body. Plantar fasciitis may also be caused by jobs or activities that require constant stress on your feet. Waitressing, for example, can lead to plantar fascia problems because of prolonged standing and repeated bending.

People with diabetes are more susceptible to plantar fasciitis caused by nerve damage that reduces the feeling in your feet. With this condition, you may not feel plantar fascia pain until it’s too late.

Pregnant women are at an increased risk for plantar fascia ligament problems because of the weight gain and hormone changes during pregnancy that reduce the flexibility of the plantar fascia. Affected women should be particularly careful to wear shoes with a low-heeled, wide toe box so plantar fasciitis symptoms don’t worsen.

There are plantar fascia problems that can be caused by an existing medical condition, such as arthritis or gout.

You may also experience plantar fascia ligament pain due to a sports injury, improper exercise technique for the plantar muscle and fat pad under your foot.

Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by plantar fat pad syndrome, which is a condition where the plantar fat pad becomes inflamed and presses on your plantar fascia ligaments.

Some plantar fasciitis symptoms may disappear after you take a break from the activities that caused them while others may get worse.

Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?

If you’re experiencing pain caused by plantar fasciitis, there are a few steps that can be taken to help relieve the symptoms.

You should rest your feet and reduce any activities that could lead to further injury or worsen the condition. This includes avoiding running, jumping, or walking barefoot on hard surfaces.

You should also wear shoes with proper arch support and avoid wearing high heels because these can put more pressure on the plantar fascia. You may want to purchase a pair of orthotics for added cushioning or underlay your current shoes with special inserts that are made from silicone gel material.

If your plantar fasciitis is caused by overuse, you should reduce the intensity of your activity to allow time for recovery. You may also want to consider changing or modifying any physical activities that put strain on this area of the body.

You can use ice packs and rest as much as possible when dealing with plantar fasciitis. You may also want to purchase a boot or foot brace for additional support, which can reduce pain and swelling caused by plantar fasciitis when worn at all times except when you need to walk.

If you really follow those tips, you will definitely experience an improvement and may even get rid of plantar fasciitis entirely. Unfortunately, most of us can’t avoid walking and standing, especially if your job calls for it. And reducing weight is easier said than done. I know what I’m speaking about here.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis

Your treatment plan for plantar fasciitis depends on the cause of your condition. If you have advanced arthritis, your doctor may prescribe medication or a treatment like physical therapy that decreases inflammation throughout the body and strengthens muscles to help alleviate pain caused by arthritic joints.

If your foot has been injured, it’s important to give it time to heal before you resume any activities that could put strain on the area. If it’s a minor injury, treatment may involve limiting your activity for a few days and applying ice packs or taking an over-the top painkiller like ibuprofen as needed.

You can also take steps to prevent future injuries by purchasing proper shoes and taking time to stretch your plantar and calf muscles. You should further consider wearing orthotics in your current shoes or use a brace while sleeping at night.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis is not an easy task and depends on too many individual factors to provide a one-size-fits-all treatment. I always recommend using a combination of at-home treatments, like getting a brace, compression socks or sleeves, doing stretches and exercises and resting your feet as much as you can. But if the conditions are really bad and don’t improve over the course of a few weeks, you should definitely consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Shoes for plantar fasciitis

Which shoes are good if you suffer from plantar fasciitis and which shoes should be avoided.

The best options for people with plantar fasciitis are shoes that have adequate arch support, like running shoes. These provide sufficient cushioning to prevent the foot from flattening. So shoes that don’t have arch support should be avoided and shoes with hard outsoles are not recommended as they can cause increased pressure on the plantar fascia.

The best shoes for people with plantar fasciitis will also provide a snug yet comfortable fit in order to keep your toes pointed downward, avoiding any unnecessary pressure on the plantar fascia.

You may also want to purchase shoes with an extra-cushioned sole, or shoes that are made specifically for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis and have a heel lift of one inch or more. These shoes will minimize the strain placed on your foot when you walk/stand and give your plantar fascia time to heal.

If you are looking for shoes with good arch support, you can find shoes at any shoe store that sell shoes for runners. There are also stores that specialize in shoes made to help combat foot pain due to plantar fasciitis.

Walking around the mall or going into a shoe store may be painful because you might have had your feet on your shoes for too long. There are online stores that cater to people with foot conditions where you can buy proper shoes as well.

Flip-flops are shoes that should be avoided because they provide no arch support and can cause pressure on the plantar fascia. Sandals should also be avoided because they often do not offer the same foot support as shoes with a cushioned heel.

Did you know that there are shoes that you can even wear at night? Wearing good plantar fasciitis shoes at night is the best way to get the same amount of support as you need during the day. When you sleep, your plantar fascia tissue can heal and stretch out a bit more while you’re not putting on weight or walking around.

We’ve already learned that the plantar fascia can become tight over time if it isn’t given enough time to rest. This can happen when people have plantar faciitis for many years or if plantar faciitis is an ongoing chronic condition. Wearing plantar fasciitis shoes at night is an easy way to decrease inflammation and help your body heal itself literally while you sleep.

Plantar fasciitis brace and night splint

A plantar fasciitis night splint is a common treatment for plantar fascia pain. These braces hold the foot in position, gently stretching the plantar fascia and calf muscles while you sleep. By keeping your feet stretched out at night, you are able to avoid stiffness caused by prolonged periods of sitting or standing on them during the day.

Choosing a plantar fasciitis brace is simple when you consider the different types and styles available today. A plantar fascia night splint can be worn on either foot, but it’s important to note that plantar fascia pain doesn’t necessarily affect both feet at once in every case.

Some plantar fasciitis braces are made specifically for plantar fascia pain and can be worn on the left or right foot. Sometimes plantar fasciitis affects one leg more than another, so a night splint that is specific to your affected side will make it easier to find relief.

A plantar fascia brace can provide you with many benefits including:

– relief from plantar fasciitis while at work or home, and in turn a reduction of pain and inflammation

– the plantar fasciitis brace is lightweight and cool, so it’s more comfortable to wear for long periods of time

– a plantar fascia night splint will speed up healing by breaking up scar tissue in the plantar fasciitis area

For people who are looking for some type of relief from plantar fasciitis, plantar fascia night splints are generally a good place to start.

Socks for plantar fasciitis

When deciding on the best sock or sleeve for plantar fasciitis, you should consider both what level of pressure you want and how tight you want it to be.

There are four levels of compression that these socks come in, as well as different styles to choose from. 8-15mmHg are mild compression socks, 15-20 mmHg provide moderate compression, 20-30 mmHg are firm and 30-40 mmHg socks deliver the most amount possible. The first two are available in shops for everyone, while you may need a prescription for the tightest pairs.

You should also consider the materials in plantar fasciitis socks. There are plantar fasciitis sleeves that use a soft fabric for those who need less pressure, plantar fascia socks with traditional cotton material or plantar fasciitis medical grade compression to provide the best protection from foot pain.

There are plantar fasciitis socks that come with additional insoles or gel pads to provide more cushioning, some without any padding at all and others made specifically for plantar fascia pain.

Socks for plantar fasciitis come in various lengths as well and can have open-toe designs for better ventilation or traditional closed-toes. There are ankle-high socks and sleeves that concentrate on the arch, heel and plantar fascia only socks that are knee-high or even thigh-high and provide compression to the whole leg.

Insoles for plantar fasciitis

When plantar fascia pain is present, it’s usually a good idea to wear plantar fasciitis insoles in your shoes; however, you should first determine the type of plantar fascia pain and shoe that will best fit your needs.

Wearing foot inserts also helps alleviate pressure on the plantar fascia, plantar fascia ligament and plantar fasciitis muscle.

There are many plantar fascia insoles to choose from, so it’s important to know what type of plantar fasciitis you have in order to find the best pair for you.

For example:

– Foot inserts that come with plantar fascia heel cups can help plantar fasciitis patients who are experiencing a lot of pain in the plantar fascia.

– For plantar fasciitis at night, plantar insoles with cushions or gel will provide relief for those who experience nighttime plantar fasciitis pain and pressure on the plantar fascia.

– A plantar fasciitis night splint will help break up scar tissue in the plantar fascia and improve recovery times, but only if you have plantar fascia pain at night as well as day time plantar fasciitis.

– Plantar inserts with arch supports can also be worn in plantar fasciitis shoes to help with plantar fascia pain.

– If plantar faciitis is hitting on the outside of your foot, a plantar insert that is made for plantar fasciitis can provide relief and protection for this area as well.

Insoles come in various materials, so plantar fasciitis insoles should be picked based on your needs and the plantar fascia pain you are experiencing. The best types to choose from are medical grade insoles, plantar fasciitis inserts with arch support or plantar fascia heel cups.

Plantars are the most effective for plantar fasciitis but can be pricey and might not work as well on a hard surface. Insoles that provide foot cushioning are also a good product to choose from.

Insoles for plantar fasciitis are considered very important when it comes to treatment and recovery times, so the best pair of insoles will depend on different factors:

– What type of plantar fasciits you have ( plantar fascia pain, pain on the outside of your foot, arch or heel pain etc.)

– What type of shoe you have (hard or soft surface)

– Your budget for plantars and insoles

A good starting point for insoles is getting plantar fasciitis heel cups that provide foot cushioning and plantar insoles with arch support.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy for plantar fasciitis is a treatment option that can help patients heal faster, relieve some of the pain and provide them with strategies to avoid flare-ups. When deciding on the best physical therapist for you, make sure to inquire about his or her experience and qualifications.

Physical therapy treatments can vary depending on the individual needs of the patient. Physical therapists are trained in various techniques and modalities when it comes to physical therapy treatments. There are different types of treatments that can be used from hands-on exercises, ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

The type of plantar fasciitis you have will determine what type of physical therapy is advised.

In cases where people experience plantar fascia pain at night, ultrasound can help break up scar tissue and improve recovery times.

For plantar fasciitis on the outside of your foot, physical therapy treatments that use electrical stimulation is advised because it will provide relief to an area not typically treated with other options. In some cases where people have heel pain due to pressure from a bunion or corn deformity in their shoes, over-the-counter insoles with arch supports might be all they need for relief (along with taking off weight).

When deciding on the best physical therapist for you, make sure to inquire about his or her experience and qualifications.

Each physiotherapist uses his own technique and personal style of therapy. Some may use a massage technique called Graston Technique which breaks up scar tissue in order to reduce discomfort over time whereas others may prefer options like ice/heat. Every person has their own preferences when it comes down to getting treatment so find one who suits your style since no two people are the same.

Taping for plantar fasciitis

Kinesiology tape is a wonderful treatment option for plantar fasciitis that can help relieve pain and discomfort. There are three steps to properly applying kinesiology tape:

1) clean the area

2) apply the tape

3) keep it on for 24-48 hours and then peel off if no longer needed

Kinesiology tape should be applied directly over the affected area and not over boney prominences or over joints. When applying kinesiology tape, make sure to overlap the seams by about 50%. A common misconception about kinesio taping is that it is a treatment option for ankle injuries; this is false. Kinesiosity works well for areas like the foot because there are fewer nerve endings.

Nerve endings are a key point when it comes to this type of treatment. This means that taping around the foot is going to have less pain than if you were to tape over joints like your knee or elbow. There are various different types of tape that you can choose from, some more medical and some less so. You want to make sure that it will cover the area well and not slide off easily. Once you’re taped up, it’s important to keep it on for 24 hours at minimum but sometimes people can stay on the tape for up to 48 hours.

One potential downside of kinesiology tape is skin irritation in areas where adhesive has been applied too tightly, or if the person has a sensitivity to adhesives used in the tape.

Kinesiology tape can be used for many different injuries. It’s a painless, non-invasive way of treating the symptoms caused by plantar fasciitis. By applying tape to pressure points, it can relieve suffering as well as stimulate healing. Kinesiology taping is often used in conjunction with other treatments such as physical therapy and orthotics.

The process of kinesiology taping is fairly straightforward. The first step in the tape application process is to cleanse and dry the skin with a towel or tissue before applying any tape. Kinesiology tape should also be applied perpendicular to the direction of pull on an injury, which would mean going up for plantar fasciitis.

Use scissors or a medical grade scalpel and cut out at least 15 inches worth of kinesiology tape from your roll (double-stick will work best). Apply adhesive side down onto length of non-adhesive end ‍of one strip by placing it so that there are two layers – one layer on top of another (with no sticky edges exposed) along the length of the strip. Take another length of tape and place it perpendicular to the first one, with adhesive on top and non-adhesive underneath (again no sticky edges exposed).

Next bring these two strips together so that they are overlapping in a cross shape – this will create a four sided square. The side without any tape should be facing you. Using scissors or medical grade scalpel, cut off excess ‍tape at each end by cutting straight across from the corner “X” created when crossing your ends over one another.

Next, fold the tape in half lengthwise with adhesive side out. Tape should now be spring-like and ready to apply ‍to your skin. Place this strip of kinesiology tape on top of a pressure point, such as under the ball or heel of foot for plantar fasciitis sufferers (knowing that it is aligned perpendicularly to the direction of pull).

Additional strips can be applied by repeating these steps until you have covered all areas where pain occurs.

The process will take no more than an hour but is only effective if taping is worn for at least 24 hours.

Do plantar fasciitis compression socks work?

Yes, they do. They can help reduce inflammation of the plantar fascia, promote healing and provide support to prevent further injury.

Plantar fasciitis compression socks are a type of medical device that is designed for use by people with chronic foot pain. They can be used as an adjunct treatment alongside your other recommended treatments or on their own when conservative measures such as physical therapy have not been effective.

How do they work? Plantar fasciitis compression socks compress tissue in order to relieve pressure over bony prominences like the heel bone and Achilles tendon, thereby easing discomfort experienced from walking and standing. The design also supports the arch of your foot which helps stabilize joints further up in the body such as knees so you will no longer feel as though you are walking on ‘soggy ground’.

What do plantar fasciitis compression socks look like? They come in a variety of colors and styles such as tights, knee-high or over the calf length for men and women. Some have a microfiber lining that wicks moisture away from your skin to keep it cool so they’re more comfortable to wear during warmer months while others may be made with Lycra material which is stretchy to suit anyone’s foot size. Combined with an elastic band at the top, these provide support without being too tight.

How do I pick out the right pair for me? Plantar fasciitis compression socks offer quite a few benefits but you need to pick the right one for your needs. Be sure to choose a pair that is made with quality materials and fits comfortably in order to provide maximum relief from pain.

Can you wear plantar fasciitis socks at night?

The benefits of wearing those are that they can provide extra support and relief to your feet, which is especially helpful for people who have problems sleeping because their foot pain has kept them up all night. One thing to note about this is that it may not be advisable during the summer months as these types of socks tend to trap heat close to the body. This might lead to a more uncomfortable sleep and could make things worse in general by trapping sweat under the sock or shoe which can cause both discomfort and odor issues. On top of that, there’s no real way around sweating with feet being deprived from airflow while trying to get comfortable on a hot surface so it won’t just be the socks that are trapped in the heat.

If you’re going to be wearing these types of socks, it’s a good idea to make sure they’re made from cotton or another breathable material so air can circulate and your feet will stay as cool as possible. The comfort aspect is also pretty important with this issue because if you’re not comfortable, there’s no way for them to work effectively. You want something that feels nice on the skin without being too tight where circulation might get restricted but doesn’t have loose areas which could lead to rubbing against other parts of your foot and causing pain instead of relief. They should feel like an extension of what you wear all day long when shopping around for ones that fit well enough.

Open-toe socks are especially recommended because they keep your feet dry and ventilated while offering the same amount of compression to targeted areas as regular compression socks do.

A good night’s sleep is key to getting through a tough day and one way to make sure you’re comfortable enough throughout it, even if your feet hurt when sitting or standing for long periods of time, is by wearing these types of socks at night. There are plenty of benefits that come from using them at night, such as providing extra support and relief to tired feet so you can get better rest without waking up in pain every morning.

When to wear compression socks for plantar fasciitis?

Compression socks can be worn all-day long, at night, at the office, during work hours, sports, exercises and everyday activities. Here is a list of the different benefits and situations where it may be best to use them:

-In your everyday lifestyle, these socks will provide extra support and relief on tired feet that hurt after standing or walking all day long. They’ll also help with pain from injuries such as Achilles tendonitis because they’re equipped with a pressure release system which helps ease discomfort experienced while doing any type of physical activity.

-If you plan on playing sports like basketball, running, soccer or tennis in barefoot shoes then wearing these types of compression socks during practices and games will keep your tendons safe by supporting them while keeping blood circulating properly through the feet. This can also help with feelings of fatigue that may come from the extra pressure put on them during these types of physical activities.

-If you’re going to be wearing shoes all day then it’s best to wear these socks at night because they provide maximum relief for tired feet and keep your skin dry while preventing any blisters or sores from forming due to friction.

-Working in an office environment is not always easy on your legs, so if you need a little more support throughout the day then try putting compression socks on underneath whatever kind of shoe you want to wear. It will relieve tension which might lead to pain later down the line as well as giving your muscles something else other than sitting all day long by being active.

-If you’re a runner, cyclist or cross country athlete and need to wear shoes all day then these compression socks will help the muscles in your feet stay relaxed while also providing support for those that are experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis by keeping them stretched out.

-For anyone who needs to be on their feet throughout the day at work (i.e: waitresses) because they have to walk around on hard surfaces like concrete floors without wearing any type of shoe then this is another recommended time when it’s best to use these types of compression socks. It’ll keep tired legs feeling better throughout the night after being worn during long hours on concrete as well as preventing pain from developing due to lack of circulation.

Exercises for plantar fasciitis

Here are the top best exercises you can do at home to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis:

-Place a tennis ball underneath your heal while sitting down with your legs crossed or straight in front of you. Now, push up onto it for about 15 seconds before lowering yourself back down again. This is one repetition and can be repeated until five sets of ten reps have been completed.

-Another exercise that focuses on the heel area is called “single leg calf raises”. To do this correctly stand up tall with both feet together holding something like a chair or book between them right next to your toes so as not to lose balance when doing these movements (this will also help when returning from being bent over). Next, slowly lower yourself towards the floor by bending at the knee and then slowly raise yourself back up to a standing position.

-The final exercise is called “toe walking” which can be done either with your feet together or one in front of the other, depending on what you’re comfortable with. To start just walk forward for as long as possible without lifting any toes off the ground and do this five times before stopping and switching sides so that you use each foot equally during these exercises. These are simple movements but will provide relief from plantar fasciitis by stretching out tight tendons and muscles within the heels area while also improving blood circulation when doing them regularly over time.

How to cure plantar fasciitis and to permanently get rid of it

As we’ve discussed in this article before, there are many different ways to treat plantar fasciitis. For those who don’t want surgery or need it right away but can wait for a recovery time, then using over-the-counter products may be best to help alleviate symptoms while waiting for things like physical therapy and stretching exercises to take effect fully.

For those who are experiencing dry skin or calluses, over the counter creams, oils and lotions help keep their feet moisturized while also providing relief from any irritation in that area.

If you’re feeling severe pain on one side of your heel bone due to plantar fasciitis than applying ice packs for 20 minutes at a time may provide some temporary relief as well as keeping other symptoms from developing such as inflammation and swelling which could lead to more problems down the line like nerve damage if left untreated.

The best way to cure plantar fasciitis is through physical therapy exercises because it’s been shown to be the most effective way of doing so. This is because it gets rid of any inflammation or swelling that may develop after a few weeks and can provide more relief than over-the-counter products, as well as promoting better blood circulation which also helps alleviate plantar fasciitis by stretching out tight tendons and muscles within the heels area.

Some people have had success with not only physical therapy exercises but surgery too in order to get back on their feet faster and feeling better overall when experiencing severe pain from this type of injury. For instance, some will tear away at the troublesome tissue while others go in through an incision near their heel bone for a complete removal process – both are very successful treatments depending on how severe the pain is.

If you are experiencing any other symptoms like numbness, tingling or shooting pains in your feet as well then consult a medical professional immediately so they can determine the best course of action for treatment and recovery because these could be signs of more serious problems such as nerve damage which require immediate attention before it’s too late.

Surgery should only be the last resort, though. If surgery is being considered as a treatment option, it may be done in one of two ways:

The first surgical technique is called “tendon reconstruction”. This process involves making an incision near the heel bone to remove the problematic tissue. The surgeon will then reattach the severed ends of the plantar fascia ligament with stitches or weave them together using a biologic material. There are some risks involved with this type of surgery, such as increased odds for infection and nerve inflammation.

The second surgical technique to treat plantar fasciitis i called “tendon release”. This procedur is less invasive than tendon reconstruction, so there is a lower risk for infection and complication. This procedure first requires an incision near the heel bone, and then a cut is made in order to release any tight plantar fascia tissue. The surgeon will then reattach the severed ends of the plantar fascia ligament with stitches or weave them together using a biologic material.

The pain in your feet is a sign that something needs to change. You can’t afford for the problem with your feet to get worse, or develop into more serious problems like plantar fasciitis which require surgery and immobilization of your foot. If you’re not sure what’s wrong, see a doctor right away. They’ll be able to diagnose any injuries and prescribe treatments that will help relieve the symptoms as well as prevent future complications from developing. Once they’ve identified the root cause of the discomfort, we recommend trying our line of compression socks and insoles! We offer quality products made by experts who understand how important it is for people with plantar fasciitis, arthritis, diabetes or other conditions affecting their circulation system having good support on their feet all day. Make sure to check out all of our products now.

I hope you found this article to be informative and helpful. If you liked it, please feel free to share it on social media or linking to it in any forums, so other people can find it more easily, too. Leave us a comment below and take care of yourself!