” My heels ache as I press them on the ground like while getting up from a chair. I can’t figure the time when it started or the reason why it started. It could be because I started driving recently, which I was not used to. ” My friend and I were having one of our usual chats when he said this. I have heard of my mother complaining of a heel pain long back. But certainly she did not drive and the pain was due to some other reason. On the other hand, my friend’s heel pain turned out to be because of his overweight and his new athletic feat, cricket after work.

Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain

A thick band of tissue covers the bottom of the foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.called the Plantar Fascia. Any irritation to it can lead to the inflammation of plantar fascia and can cause heel pain or Plantar Fasciitis.

Symptoms

Causes

The causes of plantar fasciitis may vary from individual to individual.

Heel pain may further lead to health problems like hip pain or back  pain if neglected. There are medications and therapies available for heel pain. You may also wear night splints or orthotics to support your feet. In severe cases, doctors suggest surgery.

Prevention and Care

• Don’t be a miser, buy good shoes. That’s when you really start trusting a brand. I wouldn’t buy branded shoes until I was forced to buy a famous brand walking shoe for my wide foot.
• Don’t skip warm up sessions before an activity. Do some stretching even as you wake up in the morning.
• Lose weight. The ultimatum!
• Use arch supports to lessen pain.
• Use ice packs.
• You can still exercise with plantar fasciitis. But something that does not apply weight on your foot like cycling, swimming and so on.
• Stop all other activities that exert pressure on your foot.
• Even at home use a good sandal or foot wear every time you stand up or walk.

-Aparna K V