What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that occurs when the plantar fascia tissue becomes inflamed. It can be caused by overuse or injury to the foot, and it often affects athletes who participate in running sports.
The pain associated with this condition typically occurs in the heel or arch of your foot, but can also extend into other areas including:
- The bottom of your toes (ball) – especially if you have flat feet or high arches
- Underneath your big toe (gastrocnemius muscle)
Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis
The diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is usually made based on the symptoms and a physical examination.
Physical examination includes:
- Pain when you press your thumb into the bottom of your foot (the plantar surface) near where it joins with the heel bone, or where it attaches to the base of your toes.
- Pain when you stand on tiptoes or walk barefoot on hard surfaces for a long time.
Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
- Rest: Rest is the first step in treating plantar fasciitis. You can take painkillers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help relieve your symptoms and reduce inflammation. You should also avoid activities that cause pain or stress on the foot and heel area for at least two weeks.
- Ice: Applying ice packs to the bottom of your feet several times a day can help reduce swelling and pain caused by this condition. Simply fill up a plastic bag with water, place it in the freezer until it’s solid (about 30 minutes), then wrap it in a towel before applying it directly to your skin for 15 minutes at a time throughout the day–or whenever necessary–to keep swelling down while also providing some relief from discomfort associated with this condition
Non-surgical Options for Plantar Fasciitis
- Pain Relievers
Pain relievers are one of the most common treatments for plantar fasciitis. They can help you manage your discomfort and reduce inflammation, but they won’t cure it or make it go away completely. Some people find that taking anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen helps them feel better when they have plantar fasciitis, while others don’t notice much of a difference at all. If you do decide to use painkillers, be sure not to take too many–overuse can cause stomach problems or even liver damage! - Padding and Taping
If padding doesn’t work for you (or if your doctor recommends against using it), try taping instead. There are several different kinds of tapes available on the market today: some come with adhesive backing so they stay in while others require more frequent application (the latter usually comes off after about three days).
Dr Tay Guan Tzu is a senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon whose subspecialty interests are in paediatric orthopaedics, adult and paediatric foot and ankle surgery, as well as deformity correction of the lower limb.
Seeking medical attention for your foot or ankle injury? Consult Dr Tay Guan Tzu at +65 60258888 for a comprehensive assessment and suitable treatment plan today!