Plantar Fasciitis in 2024
According to a study in 2023, at least 10% of the general population will develop Plantar Fasciitis. That is 1 in 10 people that will experience this condition. This condition is described as sole inflammation. With middle aged women more likely to develop this condition, statistically speaking.
The connective tissue between your heel and toe is what is called “Plantar Fascia”. Therefore when it becomes irritated or inflamed, Plantar Fasciitis is developed. Through wear and tear, the tissue is at risk of experience pain. And is sometimes associated with Plantar Fasciitis. This injury from overuse is usually due to repetitive strain. And can occur as a result of trauma or other multifactorial causes.
Causes
When considering the causes of this condition. We need to take into consideration a few factors:
- Age:
- Plantar fasciitis is most common in people between the age of 40 to 60.
- Body Mass Index (BMI):
- A person with normal weight has 6 times lower chances of getting this condition. As compared to a person with obesity a BMI higher than 30, for instance.
- Feet condition:
- Flat feet, a high arch or even an atypical pattern of walking can affect the way weight is distributed. This can add additional unhealthy pressure and stress on the plantar fascia.
- Inappropriate footwear can apply unhealthy pressure.
- High impact activity:
- Jobs that keep an individual on their feet all day. Walking, standing or running on hard surfaces can increase the risk of getting plantar fasciitis.
- Frequent high intensity exercises
- Health conditions:
- High arch feet
- Flat feet
- Obesity (Or sudden weight gain)
Symptoms
Typically described as a stabbing pain at the bottom of your foot near the heel. With the worst pains usually felt in the first few steps of your day. Therefore triggered from long hours of standing
The most common symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis include:
- Heel pain
- Pain in the arch of your foot
- Stiffness
- Swelling around heel
- Tightness around Achilles tendon
Prevention
Here in Pain Clinic @ Wellness Philosophy. We are big advocates of the phrase: “Prevention is always better than cure.”.
Here are some methods you can use:
- Rest:
- Allowing yourself to rest after any physically taxing activity is good practice in maintaining good health.
- When you allow your body to recover, you lower the risk of any injury.
- Foot biomechanics:
- Watching your gait as you walk and run is essential. As being mindful of your foot biomechanics can also help prevent unhealthy pressure from being applied.
- Cold compress:
- When faced with inflammation and swelling you may use an ice pack to reduce it.
- Stretching:
- Doing this before and after your exercises is a good practice to have. This practice is good for your general health which includes plantar fasciitis.
- Footwear:
- Make sure your feet are always well supported with appropriate footwear.
- Upkeep your footwear ‘s condition to ensure there is always quality support.
Therapy programs and interventions
Shockwave therapy for Plantar Fasciitis. Help with heel and sole pain.[/caption]
A clinically advanced non-invasive equipment This intervention helps patients with pain by reducing joint inflammations. Improving muscle imbalances and creating healthy circulations for your joints. It also helps loosen scarred tissue from chronic muscular conditions as well as other pain conditions.
The Hyaluronic Acid will help to maximise the fluid between joints. Providing the cushioning and lubricants for stiffness reduction and flexibility of joints. Type II collagen is the main component of the connective tissue and cartilage. Making it essential in maintaining healthy joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles and skin.
Glucosamine is the most required ingredient for cushioning joints and nourishing cartilage to protect the bones in your joints. Lastly, Chondroitin facilitates Glucosamine absorption and provides structural components for the joint’s cartilage. It also protects you from free radicals that damage your cells and DNA.