Plantar Fasciitis
Serving the Greater Los Angeles County Area including La Verne, Claremont, Glendora, San Dimas, CA
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick tissue along the bottom of the foot, called the plantar fascia. When this part of the foot is inflamed, it can lead to sharp or burning heel pain, general discomfort in the arch of the foot, and foot swelling and tenderness. Some may also notice stiffness, tingling, or numbness in their affected foot.
Want to learn more about plantar fasciitis? Read on to learn more about its potential causes, who’s at risk, and how the condition is commonly managed. Here at Recovery Lab, we also offer multiple recovery services that may help support your comfort and mobility while dealing with plantar fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis
- What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis has many potential causes. Some of the most common causes of the condition include overuse, repetitive use, prolonged standing, or wearing unsupportive shoes. A sudden increase or decrease in physical activity can also lead to plantar fasciitis.
In other cases, plantar fasciitis can be caused by having flat feet, highlyarched feet, tight calf muscles, or a tight Achille tendon.
- Who is at Risk of Developing Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is common in athletes, middle-aged individuals, those with sedentary lifestyles, or people with jobs requiring them to stand or walk for prolonged periods of time.Those who are overweight, obese, and/or diabetic are also at a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
- Can Plantar Fasciitis Go Away on its Own?
Yes, plantar fasciitis can go away on its own, usually completely resolving within months. The condition normally improves with adequate rest, good foot support, regularly stretching, and using ice or over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to bring down inflammation and pain.
If your symptoms are severe, getting worse, or not getting better after several weeks, it’s important to seek the care of a medical professional. In severe and less common cases, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or even surgery may be necessary.
- Should I Stay Active or Rest with Plantar Fasciitis?
Rest is crucial when dealing with plantar fasciitis, but active recovery also just as important. Consider light, low-impact exercises like stretching your lower legs and feet, swimming, gentle cycling, or walking, which may help ease stiffness and support blood flow to the area.
During your recovery, avoid engaging in intense workouts, standing for long periods of time, or walking barefoot on hard surfaces like concrete or tile. These can make the condition worse.
- Which Wellness Services May Help with Plantar Fasciitis Discomfort?
There are a variety of wellness services that may help support comfort and mobility for those with plantar fasciitis, including:
- Mobility Stretching: Assisted stretching, may help ease tension and tightness in the bottom of the foot
- Localized Cryotherapy: Extremely cold air applied directly to the foot, may help temporarily soothe discomfort and feelings of inflammation
- Normatec Compression Therapy: Leg compression via special sleeves; may help support circulation to the legs/feet and ease feelings of swelling
- Red Light Therapy: Exposure to certain waves of light, may support cellular energy and help ease feelings of discomfort
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Supplies high concentration of oxygen, may help support the body's natural recovery processes
While these wellness services may help support your comfort, they are not a substitute for care from a medical professional. In the end, speaking with your physician before using one of our services alongside your recovery journey is recommended.
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