Protecting Your Feet

Finding the Root Cause of Plantar Fasciitis and Efficient Treatments

Researchers in the field of podiatry are wondering why podiatrist foot care professionals have not been able, so far, to use a treatment for plantar fasciitis that completely relieves your pain. They theorize that not everyone who exercises excessively, not even all athletes, develop fasciitis. Their conclusion is that intrinsic factors cause your plantar fascia to generate inflammation and pain.

 What Are the Intrinsic Factors?

Scientists say that two pathways—extrinsic and intrinsic—are the likely mechanisms that may cause you to suffer from plantar fasciitis. They are now saying that intrinsic factors are more consistent with producing supination in your feet, which is a rotating motion of the midtarsal joint. That means intrinsic factors rotate in a twisted force that gives rise to an inflammatory response and associated pain.

Where Pain Begins

Researchers further elaborate on the supination theory by indicating where a more accurate positioning of heel pain begins. They project that pain initiates at a point around the longitudinal axis of your midtarsal joint. Their conclusion also suggests that pain originates in two specific situations involving your heel valgus or a possible forefoot valgus deformity.

Your Exercise Benefits and an Athlete's Endurance Ability

Generally, people are now more aware about the benefits of exercise as it affects their health, and they attend sessions at gyms or take part in outdoor exercise programs. Athletes have the requisite ability, strength, and endurance to be competitive every day in sports activities. They become successful in their category of sports. Injuries occur, and plantar fasciitis is a regular medical condition that affects individuals in both categories.

Treating Your Plantar Fasciitis Condition

Footwear is an important part of your treatment. You must wear suitable shoes as you are being treated for plantar fasciitis. Your podiatrist will recommend footwear that allows your feet flexibility. Newer recreational designs that have stronger midsoles are being recommended. You already might be wearing foot orthoses, since they are generally recommended for people like you who suffer from plantar fasciitis. Good outcomes are reported from individuals who wear these devices.

Athletes can benefit from foot orthoses too. They are being advised to wear their shoes in the house and while they are standing and while they are involved in walking activities. You could also benefit from these recommendations even if you are not an athlete. Discuss these issues with your podiatrist.

Physical Therapy

You can also benefit from physical therapy treatment for plantar fasciitis. Upon referral, your physical therapist will evaluate your condition. A treatment plan will be designed for you, which includes stretching and strengthening exercises. Physical therapists also evaluate foot and leg alignment issues to learn what caused your heel pain to materialize. Muscle strengthening or the use of orthotics may be introduced to address alignment problems.

For more information, talk to a professional like Camden County Foot & Ankle Center.


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