Millions of people are affected by plantar fasciitis. The reality is that, at some point, most people are affected by some degree of pain in the arch and heel that could be classified as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis could be the condition you’re experiencing but you may not realize it. Though it can be a long term foot condition, there are some simple ways to relieve pain and begin actively treating the condition. With regular treatment foot pain can be managed effectively.

The first step to treating plantar fasciitis is to evaluate in what part of the foot you experience pain the most. Inflammation in the plantar fascia tendon on the bottom of the foot is classified as plantar fasciitis . Pain is usually felt in the back of the foot where the tendon meets the heel area. The pressure on the heel during the day can lead to prolonged pain. Regular sharp pain in this part of the foot could indicate plantar fasciitis.

Pain is often felt the most after sitting or resting for long periods of time and abruptly putting weight on the feet. This causes the plantar fascia to stretch and when the tendon is weakened, small tears can occur, leading to sharp pain. Effective treatments include stretching exercises, rest intervals while on your feet for long periods, ice treatments, and wearing more supportive shoes. Stretching the plantar fascia is a good way to help with stiffness and pain. This can be done by wrapping a towel around the tops of your feet while sitting with legs in front and slowly pulling your toes towards yourself with the towel. Heel raises are also effective for stretching the foot and can be done anywhere. The important thing is to regularly stretch your feet and try not to stress your feet too much when exercising. Prolonged foot pain can be made worse by neglecting to give your feet the proper rest and recovery.

The best suggestion for long term treatment is a combination of regular stretching, ice (if needed), and quality footwear. If you’re doing everything you can and still walking around in flat, uncomfortable shoes the condition will be harder to treat. Most plantar fasciitis shoes are highly supportive shoes that provide arch support and heel support better than most shoes. Look for a shoe that you can comfortably wear all day. A cushioned heel and a well constructed midsole are essential for long term benefit to your feet. Over time your pain can be significantly reduced with these simple treatments.

Foot pain is a reality for most people at some point. Foot pain comes in varying degrees no matter your age or physical activity level. Being on our feet for long periods is a reality of our day to day lives. Hard, slippery, uneven surfaces all adversely affect our overall foot health. The key is taking small steps to better your foot health on a daily basis. From stretching exercises to quality footwear, managing foot pain doesn’t have to be difficult.

Dealing with foot pain can be a tiring process and if left untreated, a lot of pain can persist and develop into long term conditions. Conditions like heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are both common problems afflicting large numbers of people. The many stresses on our feet lead to these problems, but many people don’t take the necessary steps to correct them. Constantly wearing shoes that make your feet ache is a great way to develop or worsen a foot condition. Most often, pain is concentrated in certain key areas of the foot that undergo the most stress during the day. The heel and the arch are vulnerable parts of the foot that can hurt the most after a long day standing and walking around.

For most minor to moderate foot pain, a regular routine of ice and rest can eliminate most discomfort. Persistent pain may require stretching the plantar fascia tendon on the bottom of the foot to relieve some tension. This coupled with ice and a change of shoes can typically treat foot pain pretty effectively. Shoe inserts can also provide the cushioning and support you need for getting around. Of course, just wearing sneakers with great support in the arch and the heel can be an effective way to manage foot pain. For the most benefit though, you should wear well supported shoes regularly to get the maximum advantages.

Seeing a podiatrist for severe foot pain is always recommended, but for the average level of foot pain, basic foot care can be a successful solution. Working long days on your feet, hiking on rugged terrain, and abnormal pronation are all prime causes of pain in foot. Being aware of how you step can help identify potential reasons for certain types of pain as many people experience over or under pronation in how their foot strikes the ground and rolls off the ankle. These kinds of problems can even lead to long term joint problems and should be addressed.