Plantar fasciitis is peinflammation what happened to plantar fascia, that is network under the feet that extend fromheel until toes. This network serves as a support for the soles of the feet and vibration damper when walk.
Too much pressure on the foot will cause injury or tear in these tissues, which in turn will become inflamed and cause heel pain. Although it can happen to anyone, this condition is more common in people over the age of 40.
Reason Plantar fasciitis
It is not known exactly what causes pbecause of fasciitis. However, this condition is thought to be the result of excessive pressure on the plantar fascia.
There are several factors that can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis, that is:
- AgePlantar fasciitis It generally occurs in individuals aged 40–70 years.
- GenderWomen are more susceptible to plantar fasciitis, especially in late pregnancy.
- Obesity
Obesity can cause excessive pressure on the pbecause fascia.
- Sport
Plantar fasciitis It can occur in sports that put a lot of pressure on the heels, such as long-distance running, aerobics, and ballet.
- Work
Teachers, factory workers, athletes, soldiers, and other professions whose jobs require them to stand for long periods of time are more at risk plantar fasciitis.
- Problems with feet
Plantar fasciitis it is more at risk for someone who has feet that are too flat or too curved or has an abnormal gait.
- Other diseases
Reactive arthritis and akylosing spondylitis can trigger the emergence plantar fasciitis.
- shoe type
The use of shoes with soles that are too soft and do not support the soles of the feet well can also trigger this pbecause of fasciitis. The use of high heels can also increase the risk plantar fasciitis.
Symptom Plantar fasciitis
Sufferer plantar fasciitis generally feel pain in the heel, but there are also those who feel pain in the soles of the feet. Pain that feels like a stinging or burning feeling. This pain can also radiate to other parts around the heel.
Plantar fasciitis usually only occurs in one leg, although it is possible this condition can occur in both feet. Patients generally do not feel pain during activities. The new pain will arise and tend to get worse after completing the activity, especially if the activity is quite strenuous.
The pain is usually greatest when the patient steps after getting out of bed in the morning, when he gets up from sitting, or when he stands for long periods of time. The pain can come on slowly, but it can also come on suddenly.
When to go to the doctor
Check with the doctor if the pain is due to plantar fasciitis accompanied by tingling or numbness in the feet that does not improve after 2 weeks of self-care at home, or has made it difficult for you to perform daily activities.
Immediately visit a doctor if you have diabetes accompanied by symptoms plantar fasciitis, because in people with diabetes, foot disorders can be a serious condition.
Diagnosis Plantar fasciitis
In diagnosing plantar fasciitis, the doctor will ask questions about the symptoms and complaints experienced by the patient, as well as the patient's medical history. The doctor will then perform a physical examination, especially on the location of pain in the leg, to detect any signs of pain plantar fasciitis, as:
- Feet that are too concave
- The area that feels very soft on the sole of the foot, precisely in front of the heel bone
- Pain that gets worse when the leg is bent or when the doctor presses on the plantar fascia
- Limited ankle movement
In addition, the doctor will also assess the patient's muscle strength and nervous condition by examining body reflexes, muscle shape, sense of touch and vision, as well as coordination and balance abilities.
Investigations are generally not required to diagnose plantar fasciitis. However, investigations with X-rays or MRI may be done to confirm the presence or absence of other problems with the heel, such as fractures or pinched nerves.
Treatment Plantar fasciitis
Most cases plantar fasciitis It can heal in a few months with self-care, such as getting enough rest, doing stretching exercises, and applying ice to the affected area.
Doctors can also suggest the following things to relieve symptoms and speed up the healing process:
- Using pain relievers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to relieve pain and swelling
- Undergoing physiotherapy, to stretch plantar fascia and strengthens ankle and heel muscles
- Using a support plaster (athletic plaster), to support the sole of the foot
- Using a leg brace (splint) at night, to stretch the calf and foot muscles while the patient is sleeping
- Using special shoe soles (orthotics), to distribute the load evenly on the legs
If the pain does not go away after several months with the above treatments, the doctor may suggest a corticosteroid injection procedure. Corticosteroids are useful for temporary pain relief, but not for long-term use.
If the pain still doesn't go away, some other procedures that the doctor can do to treat it are:
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
This procedure uses sound waves that are directed at the affected area to stimulate healing. Generally, this procedure is taken if plantar fasciitis not cured with drugs and physiotherapy. Side effects that may arise from this treatment are pain, swelling, bruising, and numbness of the feet.
Operation
some cases plantar fasciitis requires surgery to detach the network plantar fascia from the leg bones. This procedure is usually done if the pain is very severe, lasts more than 6-12 months, and other treatment procedures are not working.
The risk of side effects from surgery can vary, one of which is a weakening of the foot muscles.
Complications Plantar fasciitis
If not handled properly, plantar fasciitis may progress to chronic heel pain. Chronic heel pain can change the way you walk, which can cause injury or damage to your back, hips, knees, and feet.
Another complication that can arise is the result of treatment plantar fasciaiitis. These complications include:
- Network plantar fascia weakened or broken due to corticosteroid injections
- Infection or bleeding in the legs due to surgical procedures, as well as side effects of the anesthetic used during surgery
Prevention Plantar fasciitis
There are several ways that can be done to prevent this from happening plantar fasciitis and prevent recurrence of this condition, namely:
- Using footwear with cushioning that is comfortable for the heel and can support the lower arch of the foot well
- Avoid standing for a long time
- Stretch regularly on the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, which is the large vein at the back of the ankle, especially before exercising
- Do not exercise on hard surfaces
- Lose weight if you are obese and maintain your ideal weight