The foot has several components that make it one of the fundamental parts of the human body. plantar fascia they represent one of the most important parts.
Often, however, theimportance of the plantar fascia is underestimated, until they become victims of problems and pathologies that make the simplest movements complicated and painful.
In this post we will try to make a focus on the plantar fascia, on their importance, on the pathologies that could affect them and on the importance of a timely diagnosis.
If you have foot pain, continue reading this article to find out everything you should know about plantar fascia.
Plantar fascia: what they are and what they are for
Le plantar fasciae are fibrous connective structures which run across the entire arch of the foot, from the heel to the base of the toes.
Side band, media e Central they are the parts that make up the plantar fascicles and each of them has a specific function.
The function of the plantar fascia is to absorb and cushion stress and the shocks to the arch of the foot which, on a daily basis, must perform basic functions such as walking.
Furthermore, the plantar fascia contributes to keep the arch of the foot stable, and to facilitate walking, contributing to the correct distribution of body weight.
Given their function, the plantar fascia is often subject to problems and pathologies. A very common and widespread problem is the plantar fasciitis which is nothing other than inflammation of the plantar fascia.
Plantar fasciitis can affect anyone of any age and is mainly manifested by a heel pain and to the longitudinal arch of the foot.
Incidence and prevalence of plantar fasciitis
According to statistics, plantar fasciitis mainly affects very active people and the elderly, accounting for 10% of injuries caused by running and almost 15% of foot problems affecting older adults.
Therefore, those who practice a lot of physical activity are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis, but even those who lead a more sedentary and less sporty lifestyle can be affected by this problem.
Let's see together, then, the risk factors which contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.
Risk factors
Among the main and most common risk factors that can lead to the development of plantar fasciitis are:
- Congenital conditions: as the pronated foot o flat foot and hollow foot; an incorrect distribution of weight, in fact, overloads the plantar fascia.
- Obesity: as already mentioned, incorrect weight distribution is harmful to the plantar fascia, consequently excessive weight aggravates the stress to which they are subjected on a daily basis.
- Uncomfortable and inappropriate shoes: if the sole of the foot is not adequately supported, the risk of plantar fasciitis increases.
- Intense physical activity: stressful sports such as running or basketball, if practiced at extreme levels or in any case constantly and for a long time, can increase the risk of developing the problem.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
To recognize if you have been affected by plantar fasciitis you need to pay attention to the symptoms that this pathology brings with it.
Among the typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis first of all, it is impossible not to mention the heel pain or to sole of the footThis pain can especially occur after periods of inactivity, such as waking up from a night's sleep.
This pain, especially upon waking, may be accompanied by a foot stiffness; in fact, it may become difficult to walk or move the affected foot as soon as you wake up.
Even the part affected by the pain can help us understand if we have been affected by plantar fasciitis. In fact, if the pain is initially localized to the base of the heel and then move along the arch of the foot, may be a symptom of developing plantar fasciitis.
Finally, also monitor the state of pain can help us. If the pain eases after the first steps after waking up, but then worsen throughout the day, or after long periods of standing, can be a warning sign.
How to diagnose plantar fasciitis
When the symptoms speak clearly, a timely diagnosis It's the first step to solving the problem as soon as possible.
But what does it consist of and how can it be carried out? diagnostic test for plantar fasciitis?
After having consulted a specialist doctor, he will begin by making a thorough examination to detect inflammation and the exact point from which the pain arises.
The doctor will then also examine the foot movements to assess whether the possible pathology has already compromised posture and gait. Thanks also to a thorough tactile examination then, the doctor will be able to deduce the possible cause of the problem.
After the visual and tactile examination, we will move on to the instrumental examinations. X-rays, ultrasounds e magnetic resonances are essential to be certain of the actual pathology affecting the foot. Only through images, in fact, will it be possible exclude any other pathology and confidently diagnose plantar fasciitis.
Have one clear, precise and correct diagnosis, will allow us to choose the appropriate treatment to cure plantar fasciitis as quickly as possible. Only a timely diagnosis will allow us to act promptly and regain our health.
SmartHallux: concrete help against plantar fasciitis
If you are certain that you have been affected by plantar fasciitis, it is essential to act as soon as possible.
Trust a specialist doctor that can indicate the right treatment path, implementing it and following it, is almost essential to defeating plantar fasciitis.
In this, SmartHallux has never disappointed expectations.
Thanks to their experience, professionalism, and personalized therapies, SmartHallux specialists ensure maximum care and attention to the needs of every type of patient.
Under the guidance of Dr. Luigi Manzi, SmartHallux expert surgeons use the most innovative technologies, as well as a personalized approach to each patient.
Book your first visit with SmartHallux
Don't let pain limit your life.
Start taking care of your feet and Book a SmartHallux visit now.
Always attentive to their patients' needs, SmartHallux specialists offer a variety of consultation options, from online to in-person, with the option of choosing the city in which to have the visit.
Thanks to the personalized treatment plans offered by SmartHallux, you will be able to defeat plantar fasciitis and return to a life without pain.
