Plantar fasciitis is a common type of overuse injury that causes significant pain in the heel of the foot. While it is often an athletic injury experienced by runners, the condition is also prevalent in overweight people and those who routinely wear footwear lacing in crucial structural support. Here is an introduction to this athletic injury and how it can be treated.

What It Is

There is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. This is called the plantar fascia. When regular stress and tension is put on the fascia, tiny tears can develop; when the fascia is repeatedly stretched, the fascia can become inflamed. Either of these situations might be diagnosed as plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include sharp pain at the bottom of the foot, around the heel area. The pain is typically more pronounced upon taking one's first steps after waking up. Standing or sitting for lengthy periods of time can cause pain as well. When exercising, you usually only experience plantar fasciitis discomfort afterward.

Treatment

Over-the-counter pain relievers can sometimes alleviate the distress and discomfort that come with plantar fasciitis. One of the best ways to remedy this type of athletic injury is to establish a treatment plan with a physical therapist. Physical therapy will introduce you to a number of different exercises that aim to reduce inflammation, control pain, and enhance mobility and range of motion in the foot. Like many athletic injuries, plantar fasciitis might also benefit from kinesiology tape; your physical therapist will show you the proper way to tape the bottom of the foot.

While plantar fasciitis can be painful, the good news is that it is a manageable and highly correctable condition. Physical Therapy of Andalusia treats all manner of mobility and athletic injuries, including plantar fasciitis. They have nearly four decades of experience providing physical rehabilitation services to the Covington County, AL, region. Call (334) 222-5785, visit them online, or message them on Facebook or schedule an appointment today.