Common Plantar Fasciitis Treatments
Plantar Fasciitis is a common feet injury among athletes who are engaged with sports that involve the intensive usage of the feet, like running. Thus it is important that we know what types of plantar fasciitis treatment are available. The anatomical structure of the feet, like having uneven legs or a high foot arch, can increase the chances of the person to suffer from this type of injury. However, one cannot disregard that the excessive use of the feet can be the cause and can further aggravate the injury.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The Plantar Fascia is a thick and fibrous connective tissue that can be found on the bottom side of the foot. It is a tissue responsible for the balance and fine control of the athlete’s bearing. The exposure of the tissue to constant trauma during the athlete’s training can result to the inflammation of the plantar fascia. Plantar fasciitis is painful for the athlete and treatment can be drawn out. This is why it’s important to determine the right plantar fasciitis treatment for you.
A person suffering from plantar fasciitis will experience pain in the foot when he takes his first step in the morning, which may cause the person to walk irregularly in order to alleviate the pain. The pain may subside after walking for a short period of time. However, it will most likely recur after a vigorous activity, a lengthy walk, or protracted standing.
How to treat Plantar Fasciitis
The first thing to plantar fasciitis treatment is discontinuing any activity that is causing stress to the injury of the plantar fascia. Resting the foot is important because any intensive use can aggravate the injury. The plantar fasciitis taping technique can help in the treatment. Tapes are applied on the injured foot to provide support to the tissue. In worst cases, surgery may be needed to treat the injury.
Regular application of cold therapy where ice is applied on the affected part can relieve pain and the inflammation. However, in the later stages, cold therapy is replaced with massage and exercise that would increase the flexibility of the ankle and the foot.
It is also important that the person suffering from the injury use comfortable shoes that would provide ample arch support to the injured foot. In some cases, orthotic shoe inserts placed in the shoes can help in relieving the pain and in healing the injury by stretching the fascia while the foot is in use.
Plantar Fasciitis Night Splints can also be used as plantar fasciitis treatment. These are braces that are attached to the leg and the foot in order to stretch the plantar fascia ligament while the person is asleep.
The detection of Plantar Fasciitis at the early stages is crucial in ensuring the full recovery of the athletes from the injury. The process of rehabilitation takes a long time and, in some cases, the athlete may have to discontinue training to give way to plantar fasciitis treatment. Hence, it is important for athletes to understand that stretching and strength exercises before and after training can prevent the inconvenience brought about by Plantar Fasciitis.