Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that affects the bottom of the foot and can extend into the heel. It develops when the strong, fibrous band of tissue that stretches across the bottom of the foot and supports your arch becomes inflamed and irritated, resulting in pain and stiffness. Plantar fasciitis is especially common among runners, and it also commonly occurs more commonly with age and in people who are obese or overweight. It can also occur in people who do repetitive heavy lifting, as well as those who wear shoes that provide inadequate support or otherwise don't fit properly.
People with plantar fasciitis experience pain and tenderness along the bottom of the foot, sometimes accompanied by tingling sensations. Symptoms are usually worse in the morning or after a long period of time spent sitting or lying down, and can improve after a period of walking. Symptoms will return again after another period of inactivity.
In most cases, plantar fasciitis can be treated with medications to relieve pain and inflammation, combined with gentle stretching exercises to help the plantar fascia become more flexible and to improve healing circulation. Walk and Smile offers a pain management kit that includes a special formula designed specifically to treat pain and inflammation in the feet. With regular application, the formula can help relieve discomfort and stiffness and promote healthy, pain-free movement. Custom orthotics designed specifically to fit your foot and address the issues causes your symptoms may also help. Losing excess weight can help reduce some of the pressure and strain on your foot which can exacerbate pain and inflammation. Treatment of plantar fasciitis is most effective when the condition is addressed early, so schedule an appointment at the first sign of symptoms.
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