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Feet are one of the most robust and resilient parts of the human body, bearing the brunt of everyday stress and strain. Persistent and intense pain in the feet, however, can indicate underlying and potentially serious issues. One such condition is Plantar Fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis often presents as stiffness in the foot or pain when standing for long periods. It can also cause discomfort while walking, running, or going uphill. In severe cases, individuals might experience a stabbing pain in the heel, particularly when first stepping out of bed. If you notice these symptoms, it could be a sign of Plantar Fasciitis.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is a foot and heel pain condition that occurs when the Plantar Fascia, a fibrous band of tissue on the bottom of your foot that supports the arch, becomes irritated and swollen. Overstretching can cause this band (fascia) to lose its elasticity, leading to inflammation and pain.

Any damage to the Plantar Fascia can alter your walking patterns and posture, potentially causing heel spurs, ligament tears, and pain in the ankle, knee, hip, and back, along with the risk of osteoarthritis and pelvic instability.

Understanding this condition is a proactive way to prevent it from occurring or to undergo the right treatment options to alleviate the symptoms. So, in this blog, let us explore plantar fasciitis — its symptoms, causes, and treatment options available in Mumbai.

Causes and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis:

Plantar fasciitis can creep up on you, whether slowly over time or suddenly, after a busy day on your feet. Spotting the signs early can make a huge difference in managing it effectively. Here are some key symptoms to watch out for:

• Sharp heel pain, especially when you take your first steps in the morning.
• A burning or aching sensation in the arch of your foot.
• Discomfort that intensifies after physical activity, but usually not during the exercise itself.
• Stiffness in the foot makes those initial steps after sitting or sleeping particularly tough.
• Tenderness when you press on the bottom of your foot near the heel.
• Severe heel or foot pain after long periods of rest or inactivity.
• A tight Achilles tendon can make your heel feel even more strained.
• Pain that worsens when you climb stairs or walk on your tiptoes.

Catching these symptoms early can help you take the proper steps to regain feeling great on your feet.

So What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis can be caused by several factors, including:

1. Constant Stretching and Strain: Continuous stress on the plantar fascia leads to chronic degeneration and small tears, especially where it attaches to the heel bone. Ultrasound often reveals calcifications and thickening of the fascia.
2. Obesity: Excess weight increases stress on the plantar fascia and related ligaments, contributing to degeneration. Obesity also affects other connective tissues, worsening the condition.
3. Flat Feet (Pes Planus): Flat feet cause direct ground contact across the sole, significantly increasing the risk of plantar fasciitis. This foot deformity is prevalent in 20-30% of the population.
4. Shortened Achilles Tendon: A shortened Achilles tendon, often linked to abnormal motor development like toe walking in children, increases the risk of plantar fascia injury.
5. High-Arched Feet (Pes Cavus): Abnormal weight distribution due to high arches can lead to increased plantar fascia damage, especially during standing or walking.
6. Over pronation: Inward foot rolling, common in individuals with flat feet, is a significant risk factor associated with 86% of plantar fasciitis cases.
7. Weak Foot Muscles: Weak intrinsic foot muscles that support the longitudinal arch increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.
8. Athletic Activities: Certain sports and exercises, such as running, ballet, basketball, marathon running, gymnastics, soccer, tennis, and dance aerobics, stress the plantar ligaments and increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis, especially without proper conditioning and stretching.
9. Prolonged Standing: Jobs that involve long hours of standing or walking on hard surfaces, such as factory work, military service, and teaching, can predispose individuals to plantar fasciitis.
10. Poor Footwear: Wearing poorly fitting shoes lacking arch support or excessively worn-out shoes significantly increases the risk of plantar fasciitis, especially when walking on hard surfaces.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment:

There are different treatments for plantar fasciitis, which vary depending on how severe the condition is as follows:

• Initial Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis:
1. Initial treatment for Plantar Fascitis includes basic measures like rest, ice therapy, stretching exercises, and modifying activities to reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
• Non-surgical Treatment Options include:
1. Wearing supportive footwear.
2. Orthotic inserts or night splints are used to support the foot's arch.
3. Undergoing physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections:
1. PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets from your blood into the affected area to promote the healing of the plantar fascia.

Plantar Fasciitis Surgery:

In severe cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical procedures may be considered to release tension on the plantar fascia or remove damaged tissue.

In most cases, non-surgical treatment options are sufficient for relieving symptoms and improving conditions if the condition is diagnosed and treated early. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above, we recommend you contact a foot and ankle surgeon as early as possible to improve your chances for optimal outcomes.

Dr. Pradeep Moonot, an esteemed heel pain specialist in Mumbai, is known for his effective plantar fasciitis treatment. At MKFAC, Dr. Moonot leads our experienced team dedicated to advanced treatments and personalized care, addressing the root cause of your foot and ankle pain. Equipped with advanced medical infrastructure and expert orthopedic surgeons, we offer a comprehensive treatment plan to alleviate heel pain and restore mobility.