Do your feet hurt when you walk the first few steps when you wake up? Are you having a hard time bending your feet or are you experiencing knee pains? Then you must be suffering from Plantar fasciitis.
It is known to be the most common source of heel pain caused by straining the thick connective tissue or ligament supporting the arch of the foot called plantar fascia.
It runs between the calcaneous, commonly known as heel bone, and the toes which stretches every time you walk.
This often occurs to younger and middle-aged people who are frequently on their feet like athletes and soldiers.
Excessive pronation is one cause of plantar fasciitis.
This happens when your feet rolls too much while you are walking.
A great number of physical activities requiring the use of your feet, such as running and jumping, can cause the ligament to tear and cause severe pain.
Even walking and standing for a long period of time on hard surfaces can lead to this pain.
The shape or mechanics of your foot can also be one of the causes why you are experiencing such pain.
High arches or flat feet can cause the plantar fascia to be overstretched and later results to pain as it tears.
For the elders, arthritis is also a cause of this pain.
Studies show that certain types of arthritis can cause the swelling of your tendons, which can be a cause of the pain at the bottom of your foot.
If you are still using your two year old shoes that you use every day, it is time to get rid of them.
Old shoes without enough cushioning and do not perfectly fit on you can damage the plantar fascia.
Moreover, being overweight can also damage the ligament since the heels carry much of the body weight.
Pregnant women are also likely to experience this pain.
There are several ways to cure plantar fasciitis although traditional surgeries are not the first option.
It is still recommended to consider some self-remedy to treat this pain.
Giving your feet a rest and treating your feet to massages once in a while are a perfect option.
Avoid frequent walking or running on hard surfaces.
Furthermore, placing ice on your heel and doing calf and towel stretches can give relief to your feet.
Calf stretching is a form of exercise that stretches your muscles at the back of your lower leg.
Towel stretching is done by placing a towel under the ball of your foot while holding the two ends 30 seconds.
A new pair of shoes with a good support and cushion on the sole is also one of your options to lessen the risk of experiencing this pain.
Over-the-counter medication, such as Advil or aspirin, can be considered.
Remember that your feet are one of the most used parts of your body.
Taking good care of them should be one of your priorities, or suffer the consequence of getting plantar fasciitis.