What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel discomfort for many people who spend a lot of time on their feet. It is caused by inflammation of the tissue that runs across the sole of the foot. This band of tissue connects the heels to the toes and is known as the plantar fascia. When this band gets inflamed, many people have severe heel pain, making it difficult to walk and perform daily tasks.

Most people who suffer from the condition find that it's at its worst in the morning and subsides throughout the day. Some people with plantar fasciitis find that it returns throughout the day, especially after long periods of time spent off of their feet. It's possible that people who experience plantar fasciitis may experience small tears in the fascia tissue, resulting in ongoing pain beyond the standard inflammation that's expected with the condition.

Risk Factors of Plantar Fasciitis

Medical professionals aren't completely sure what causes this condition to occur. Plantar fasciitis is more common in people who run regularly and people who are overweight. Age is also a factor that can contribute to the condition, as people between the ages of 40 and 60 are most likely to experience plantar fasciitis.

While plantar fasciitis is commonly associated with running, other types of exercise—like dancing—can also contribute to the condition. The more stress an activity places on the heel, the more likely it is to result in plantar fasciitis.

People who work on their feet are also more likely to experience the condition than people who spend most of their day seated. Foot mechanics issues (such as having flat feet or a high arch) can also make the condition more likely.

What are compression socks?

Compression socks are designed to be snug and stretchy in order to gently squeeze your feet. Some compression socks are longer and can sit higher on your leg. They are known to enhance lymphatic drainage and blood flow.

Using Compression Socks to Help Plantar Fasciitis

Compression socks help many people with foot and lower leg problems. It's recommended that people who are dealing with plantar fasciitis wear compression socks at night, which may help to alleviate swelling and lessen the intense pain that many people with the condition feel when they take their first steps in the morning.

Shop Socks for Plantar fasciitis

If you're experiencing plantar fasciitis, it's smart to talk with your doctor about whether lifestyle changes may help to alleviate your symptoms. Over time, plantar fasciitis can result in ongoing heel pain. Often, the pain becomes so severe that people who are living with the condition change their gait, which can result in joint problems over time.

Before treatment, your doctor may perform some tests to determine whether you have plantar fasciitis. Usually, your doctor will be able to tell whether it's likely that you have the condition based on a visual examination and by checking your foot for tender areas. Your doctor will work to find the exact location of your pain to determine whether plantar fasciitis is the likely cause.

Other Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options

Thankfully, there are many treatment options for people who are dealing with the pain of plantar fasciitis. Try to walk barefoot or run without shoes using barefoot socks! Before going to more serious treatments, there are plenty of barefoot training exercises worth trying first that may alleviate discomfort from plantar fasciitis!

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Over the counter options

Over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful for people who experience plantar fasciitis pain. Your doctor may also recommend that you perform certain stretches or exercises to help minimize your symptoms. If you're a runner, your doctor may ask that you take a break from running while your plantar fascia returns to its normal, non-inflamed state.

Physical Therapy

Your doctor may also ask that you book an appointment with a physical therapist. Your physical therapist can teach you stretches that help to stretch the plantar fascia, as well as exercises that can help alleviate plantar fasciitis pain by strengthening the muscles in your lower legs.

Can Other Issues Be Mistaken For Plantar Fasciitis?

If your doctor believes that a different issue (like a stress fracture or muscle tear) could be causing the pain, they may recommend additional testing to determine the root cause of the issue. Some people develop bone spurs, a condition in which a piece of bone protrudes from the heel. Pain caused by a bone spur can be mistaken for plantar fasciitis.

Based on your diagnosis, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan to help alleviate your pain. Often, home treatment works well for plantar fasciitis. People who have already been diagnosed with the condition may want to try home remedies for flare-ups before scheduling a visit with their physician.