Plantar fasciitis is a common and painful foot condition. Sufferers can have a variety of symptoms ranging from heel pain, similar to that of a heel spur, to under arch pain, pain under the toes and the ball of the foot, even pain extending up into the heel. Untreated, this condition can become chronic.
Even in mild cases, the sufferer invariably experiences pain and difficulty walking, especially on rising first thing in the morning. The imbalance in the skeleton that can arise as a result can cause other muscular- skeletal problems, such as ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain.
There are many plantar fasciitis treatments depending on how debilitating it is. But because sufferers often experience a range symptoms of plantar fasciitis, the actual treatments used can vary widely from person to person and should be used in conjunction with each other for best relief.
Most people ease their conditions by changing their daily routines so that they do not walk, stand or exercise as much and taking pain killers and anti inflammatories to reduce the swelling in the damaged plantar fascia. Many people find that massaging the painful tendon also gives relief. However there are specific exercises which can significantly help the symptoms of plantar fasciitis and these should be included in any serious attempt to cure the condition.
In most cases, exercises for plantar fasciitis involve relatively gentle stretching of the affected area for a few minutes once or twice a day. This is especially effective if done during the morning or shortly after rising (for shiftworkers). The best relief from plantar fasciitis can be obtained by doing these exercises as part of a daily routine.
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