Heel Pain and What to Do About It
Whether you’re out searching store after store for the perfect gift or standing in the kitchen for hours making mountains of tasty treats, holiday season activity can often bring heel or foot pain. Among the many possible causes of foot pain plantar fasciitis stands out as one of the most common, yet easily treated. Plantar fasciitis is an irritation or inflammation of the fibrous tissue on the bottom of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis generally manifests as heel pain which is especially noticeable in the first steps after a period of inactivity, such as sleeping or sitting at a desk. Climbing stairs and standing on tiptoe may also worsen the pain. Most people with plantar fasciitis say the pain is sharp and is located on the inside bottom of their heel.
This pain originates in the plantar fascia, a fibrous band of tissue which connects from the heel to the ball of your foot and is responsible for forming the arch of your foot. If the band is short you will have a high arch; if the band is long, you’ll have a low arch or flatfoot. There is a pad of fat in your heel that covers the plantar fascia to absorb some of the shock of walking. If the fascia is under too much tension for too long, the fascia may sustain microscopic tears or bruising. Irritation or inflammation of the plantar fascia or the fat pad can cause heel pain.
Multiple conditions may put you at risk for having plantar fasciitis. Being on your feet all day, or becoming overly active in a short time may irritate the fascia. A high or low arch, or abnormal gait also may predispose you to this problem. Different forms of arthritis, pregnancy and diabetes put you at higher risk for this condition. Shoes that are loose fitting, have poor arch support or are thin or stiff soled may lead to plantar fasciitis. High heels also cause problems by encouraging a shortening of the tendon in the back of the leg. This shortening puts a strain on the tissues of the heel. Being overweight leads to greater strain on the plantar fascia and may lead to a break down of the fatty tissue on the heel.
Most people who have plantar fasciitis will improve within a year of onset with or without conservative therapy. No particular therapy has been strongly supported in studies as being effective. Prefabricated shoe inserts, and stretching exercises that focus on stretching the plantar fascia may be helpful. No research data particularly support anti-inflammatory medications or ice for symptom relief. MyoNatural was designed to take the ingredients the body needs to repair tissues where they are needed. The homeopathic (or herbal) elements of the formula assist the body in reducing inflammation in the heel. MyoNatural users have reported a decrease in the burning discomfort caused by the plantar fasciitis. You may also try staying off your feet as much as possible or putting down something that will soften the surface you are standing on if prolonged standing is necessary. Weight loss may also reduce the pain if weight is an issue for you.
Hopefully, your holiday experience will not be filled with the foot pain of plantar fasciitis. If after trying some of the interventions listed above you have no relief, you may want to visit your physician for other options.
