A thick ligament like tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from the heel bone to the toes provides support in the arch of your foot. This tissue helps to carry your body weight while you walk and during activity is called the plantar fascia. If the tissue develops tiny tears and becomes inflamed it is a condition called Plantar Fasciitis (pronounced “PLAN-ter fash-ee-EYE-tus”).
Think of your plantar fascia as yourbody’s shock absorber. Throughout the day the fascia supports the arch of the foot incarrying the weight of the body. Sometimes, when the impact is too great, tiny tears will appear in the fascia. If the impact level continues unchanged, in time these tears will become inflamed.
This condition affects over 2 million Americans and is typically characterized by intense stabbing pain in the heel – particularly first thing in the morning or after a period of activity. In many cases the pain decreases as the fascia warms up during the day but some poor sufferers (typically those with a chronic condition) are plagued all day with the pain.
Basically this condition is caused by excessive wear to the plantar fascia or biomechanical faults causing the inward rotation of your foot. In most cases it can be attributed to long periods of weight bearing particularly when using unsupportive footwear, extra weight bearing, obesity, inactivity, poor weight distribution due to faulty foot mechanics, or sudden changes in weight distribution (as when playing sports). So what can be done?
Most sufferers are able to overcome the pain with non-invasive therapy and get back to their work or favorite pursuits. If left untreated however, there is a risk that the condition will become chronic which can possibly lead to a host of other issues. Typically we find that what happens in the feet directly impacts the proper functioning of the knees, hips, and back as you change your body mechanics to adjust for the pain or discomfort.
The good news is there are many steps you can take right in your own home to speed your recovery timeand prevent this condition from reoccurring all you need is the right information, the right tools, and the right attitude.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatments
Conservative treatments tend to be the best way to treat plantar fasciitis. However, it can take months to years to heal depending on your situation and commitment to treatment (6 weeks to 6 months or longer). To improve healing time and treat your pain naturally, cold compression therapy and Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy™ are recommended.