If you have plantar fasciitis, the main source of pain is usually located at the bottom of the foot near the heel. In most cases the pain is worse first thing in the morning when you get out of bed or after sitting for long periods of time.
You might experience a sharp stabbing, or a burning sensation, which can be accompanied by swelling and tenderness of the heel area. Plantar fasciitis can also cause pain in other parts of the foot, including the arch, toes and the back of the foot.
In some cases, the pain can even extend up the back of the calf.
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What condition could develop from having plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition characterized by inflammation in the plantar fascia, which is the flat band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain in the heel or the arch of the foot, as well as limited mobility and a sharp burning sensation when walking.
Left untreated, plantar fasciitis can develop into other conditions, including bursitis, Achilles tendinitis, and nerve irritation. Bursitis occurs when the bursa – a small, fluid-filled sac in the foot that helps cushion and lubricate – becomes inflamed, leading to pain and swelling in a localized area.
Achilles tendinitis is an inflammation or tear in the Achilles tendon, which is the cord connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone. Lastly, nerve irritation typically results in numbness and tingling in the feet.
These conditions can all be triggered by the same underlying cause – plantar fasciitis. Treatment involves rest and stretching exercises to break up the tension in the plantar fascia and reduce discomfort.
In more severe cases, physical therapy or corticosteroid injections may be necessary.
What autoimmune diseases cause plantar fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is a painful condition of the foot that affects the plantar fascia, which is a long ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes. It can be associated with a range of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, and various forms of vasculitis.
In rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and surrounding tissues, the plantar fascia can become inflamed and painful due to excess pressure placed on it by the joint structures.
This is especially true if there is synovial fluid buildup around the joint.
In lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects the body’s organs and tissues, the plantar fascia can become inflamed due to the body’s autoantibodies attacking healthy tissues, including the plantar fascia.
Ankylosing spondylitis, another autoimmune disease, can also cause plantar fasciitis. This is because the disease causes the spinal bones to fuse together, which can cause extra tension on the plantar fascia.
Reactive arthritis, an inflammatory form of arthritis, can also lead to plantar fasciitis. This is due to inflammation of the joints in the feet, which can cause extra pressure to be placed on the plantar fascia.
Finally, a range of autoimmune diseases known as vasculitis can lead to plantar fasciitis. These diseases cause inflammation of the blood vessels, which can cause extra pressure to be placed on the plantar fascia.
What happens if plantar fasciitis left untreated?
If plantar fasciitis is left untreated, the condition can worsen and lead to chronic plantar fasciitis that is more difficult to manage. The condition can cause pain and tenderness in the heel or along the arch of the foot.
The fascia can become thick and inflamed, making movement and walking more difficult. Constant strain on the plantar fascia may lead to heel-spur formation, which can cause pain and limit range of motion.
Long-term untreated plantar fasciitis can also lead to a weakening of the muscles and tendons of the foot and heel, which can further reduce mobility and create issues with balance. Prolongedlack of treatment may also lead to more severe conditions such as nerve damage in the feet, which can cause pain and numbness in the toes.
What is the classic symptom for a patient with plantar fasciitis?
The classic symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel or bottom of the foot, usually first felt in the morning after getting out of bed. The pain is usually worse when taking the first steps of the day, and then can lessen as the person walks.
It can also worsen after standing for long periods, participating in exercise, long walks, or climbing stairs. Other symptoms may include swelling in the sole of the foot and redness or tenderness in the area.
The heel pain is usually dull but may be sharp at times, and is typically worse near the heel.
What medicine do they prescribe for plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition located in the heel or arch of the foot and can cause considerable discomfort in those affected. Treatment often begins with simple at home remedies such as stretching and icing the area.
Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can also be taken to reduce swollenness and alleviate pain. For more severe cases, healthcare providers may prescribe corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation, custom molded orthotics to support the arch of the foot, or physical therapy to increase flexibility.
In rare cases, when other treatments have been unsuccessfully attempted, surgery may be recommended. For short-term relief of the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, a doctor may recommend over-the-counter arch supports and shoe inserts or orthotics to relieve pressure on the plantar fascia, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or numbing medications.
Can foot problems cause neck pain?
Yes, foot problems can cause neck pain. Your feet are the foundation of your body, and when they are misaligned it can lead to other, more serious joint and muscle problems, including neck pain. Studies show that common foot problems such as overpronation (tendency for foot to roll inward) can lead to spine and neck pain.
Poor foot biomechanics can lead to pain elsewhere in the body, as the resulting imbalance can cause your entire body to be out of alignment. When your feet are out of alignment, stresses on your entire body can be greater, causing the muscles, joints, and nerves to be overworked, leading to neck pain, tingling, numbness, and even headaches.
Wearing improperly fitting shoes, flat or high heels, or shoes with little or no support can all lead to problems with the foot and body alignment, as can having poor posture or wearing heavy backpacks.
An orthopedic physician can diagnose and treat foot-related issues that may be causing neck pain to prevent further deterioration of the neck joint and muscles.
Can lower back pain and neck pain be connected?
Yes, lower back pain and neck pain can be connected. This is often caused by poor posture, degenerative disc disease, or long-term overuse of the neck and back muscles. Weak muscles can cause the spine to become misaligned, leading to both neck and lower back pain.
Muscular imbalances can also result in pain, as muscles can become too tight or too weak. Other causes of both neck and lower back pain can include arthritis, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and herniated discs.
It’s important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive a proper treatment plan. Treatments often include rest, physical therapy, chiropractic care, medications, and sometimes more invasive options.
What shoes should you not wear with plantar fasciitis?
When dealing with plantar fasciitis, it is important to wear supportive shoes that provide arch support. Shoes that are made from materials such as leather and synthetic fibers are usually best for reducing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
Shoes with a firm, cushioned sole and heel are also beneficial. It is important to avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose, have no arch support, and have no cushioned sole. Shoes made from stiff materials such as plastic or an unyielding leather should also be avoided, as they won’t provide any arch support.
Additionally, excessively high heels are not good for those with plantar fasciitis as they can lead to greater strain on the feet and exacerbate symptoms. Shoes with a thick sole may also be uncomfortable and worsen plantar fasciitis symptoms.
Ultimately, the best option is to find a shoe that is comfortable, supportive, and fits well.
Do and don’ts in plantar fasciitis?
When dealing with plantar fasciitis, it is important to be aware of potential dos and don’ts to ensure faster recovery.
Dos:
1. Have a regular stretching routine: Stretching your calves, arches, and the sole of your foot is one of the keys to reducing the severity of plantar fasciitis. Stretching can help reduce the tension and inflammation of the plantar fascia as well as improve the overall range of motion and flexibility of your feet.
2. Wear supportive shoes: Wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning can help absorb shock and reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
3. Take breaks: If your job requires standing up all day, take breaks often and change your position while standing to reduce the strain on your feet.
4. Use orthotics: Wearing a custom orthotic to give your foot proper arch support can help reduce the pain of plantar fasciitis.
5. Do low-impact activities: Swimming and biking are great low-impact activities that can help you stay active without putting a lot of strain on your feet.
Don’ts:
1. Don’t wear shoes without arch support: Wearing shoes without good arch support can make plantar fasciitis worse and should be avoided.
2. Don’t wear high heels: High heels can increase the strain on your feet and make plantar fasciitis worse.
3. Don’t ignore the pain: If you start to feel pain in your feet or heel, take breaks to give your feet a rest and consult a doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
4. Don’t put extra weight on the effected area: Avoid putting any extra weight on the heel while walking.
5. Don’t ignore other possible causes: Plantar fasciitis is not the only cause of heel pain. Be sure to discuss any other possible causes with your doctor.
