Know Your Own Female Body

If you are experiencing foot pain that is targeted near the heel of your foot, then you may have plantar fasciitis. To receive a diagnosis and treatment, you should make an appointment to get in to see the podiatrist. Until you can get in, you want to do what you can to alleviate the pain and to prevent worsening symptoms, as well as future outbreaks. This article will educate you on things that can do to lessen your chances of aggravating your plantar fascia, which causes plantar fasciitis. It will also help you with pain alleviation should you experience a flare up.

Understanding plantar fasciitis

You have a long tendon that runs from the heel area of your foot to the base of your toes. This tendon is your plantar fascia. When it gets inflamed, ripped or otherwise injured or irritated, it can cause plantar fasciitis. This is a painful condition that can lead to pains ranging from a deep throb to an intense burning sensation.

The best way you can help yourself to heal from plantar fasciitis and prevent more outbreaks is to decrease your risk factors. Being overweight, wearing shoes without proper support, standing for long periods of time and walking or standing on hard surfaces are a few of the things that can increase your chances of developing the condition. Do everything you can to decrease these risk factors by making the necessary changes to your lifestyle.

Getting relief from the pain

If you begin to experience pain associated with this condition then you may find you hurt the most first thing in the morning. It's a good idea to set your alarm a little earlier during these times so you can get out of bed slowly, since it will be extremely hard to walk when first rising. Take that extra time to rub your feet, kneading them firmly. Also, gently stretch the tendon by straightening out your legs and pulling back on your toes slowly.

Keep a small plastic water bottle in your freezer to use for pain relief. Use the bottle during flair ups to give you a cool relief by putting it under your foot and slowly rolling it from the ball of your foot all the way to the heel of your foot. Repeat this process many times until you are experiencing less pain. You can also use frozen golf balls and roll them under your foot.

Possible treatments for plantar fasciitis

Rest – Your podiatrist may suggest for you to rest your feet and give them time to heal. Sometimes, this can be the best way to treat the condition.

Physical therapy – You may want to go through physical therapy. This will help you by showing you different stretches and movements you can do that will help you heal. Physical therapy will also educate you on things you can do differently to decrease the chances of future flare ups.

Appliances – The podiatrist may give you an appliance you will wear on your foot and/or calf that will help.

Surgery – In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary, but this is generally a last resort.

Now that you have a better idea of how to prevent plantar fasciitis and how to seek pain relief, contact a company like Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital for more information.