One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the Plantar Fascia or the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. You can feel it at the bottom of your foot. The first thing a doctor would do when you visit him, is to examine your foot and figure out where the pain is coming from. Once you explain your medical history, he or she will be able to diagnose your condition accurately. If there is a pinched nerve or a broken bone suspected, your doctor might even order a few imaging tests.
The first thing that you would notice if you have Plantar fasciitis is a stabbing pain in your heel when you take those first few steps in the morning. The pain will start decreasing as you get up and move around. However, it might come back if you stand for long periods or try to rise after sitting for a while. The pain is at its worst especially after exercising.
More often than not, it is the runners who are affected by plantar fasciitis. However, it is also common in people who are overweight and those who wear shoes that don’t provide enough support.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Your plantar fascia can be compared to a shock-absorbing bowstring that supports the arch in your foot. If you put too much stress or tension on this bowstring, you will start experiencing small tears in your fascia. Repetitive tears can cause inflammation, leading to Plantar Fasciitis.
Anyone may experience Plantar Fasciitis at any point of time and in most cases, the cause is often unclear. Nevertheless, here are a few factors that can increase the risk of you developing plantar fasciitis:
Age
People between the ages of 40 and 60 are highly likely to suffer from Plantar Fasciitis
Exercises and activities
Certain types of activities and exercises such as aerobic dance, ballet dancing, ballistic jumping, and long-distance running can place a lot of stress on your heel and its attached tissue. With time such stress can lead to plantar fasciitis.
Foot mechanics
If you are flat-footed, have a high arch, or have an abnormal pattern of walking you stand at a high risk for plantar fasciitis. Such conditions can have an impact on the way your body weight is distributed.So you will automatically put added stress on your heel while standing.
Obesity
If you have gained a few excess pounds, you will be putting extra stress on your heel while you stand. This can also lead to plantar fasciitis.
Occupations that keep you on your feet
If you are a factor worker or a teacher who spends most of his or her work hours standing or walking on hard surfaces, you are very likely to damage your plantar fascia.
Plantar fasciitis can cause chronic heel pain that might hinder your regular activities, if left untreated. Get in touch with a chiropractor in Rockville to get the same treated as early as possible. This way you can avoid further problems with your foot, knee, hip or back.
