Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel of the foot. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. It may also feel like a stretching sensation under the feet not specific to the heel.
Plantar fasciitis is often caused by overuse, such as from running, jumping, or standing for long periods of time. It can also be caused by wearing shoes that don’t fit well or that don’t provide enough support.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel of the foot. The pain is often worse when you first get out of bed in the morning or after sitting for long periods of time. It may also hurt to walk up stairs or to stand on your toes.
Other symptoms of plantar fasciitis may include:
Swelling and tenderness in the heel
Stiffness in the foot
A popping or clicking sound when you move your foot
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is another condition that can cause pain in the heel of the foot. It is caused by compression of the tibial nerve, which runs through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the inside of the ankle.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Flat feet
- High arches
- Bunions
- Arthritis
- Injuries to the ankle or foot
- Symptoms of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
The main symptom of tarsal tunnel syndrome is pain in the heel of the foot. The pain may also radiate into the toes and up the leg. Other symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome may include:
Numbness and tingling in the foot and toes
Burning sensation in the foot
Weakness in the foot and toes
These symptoms differentiate it from plantar fasciitis as one is caused by the compression of a nerve and the other by an inflammation of the band under the feet
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Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Treatment for plantar fasciitis and tarsal tunnel syndrome will vary depending on the severity of the condition. Treatment options may include:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections
- Surgery
Related article:Difference between Physical Therapy and Physiotherapy
Prevention of Plantar Fasciitis and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
There are a number of things you can do to prevent plantar fasciitis and tarsal tunnel syndrome, including:
Wear supportive shoes
Avoid overuse
Stretch your feet regularly
Maintain a healthy weight
Treat any underlying medical conditions, such as flat feet or high arches
Plantar fasciitis and tarsal tunnel syndrome treatments vary depending on the severity of the condition and may include rest, ice, compression, elevation, over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, steroid injections, or surgery.
There are a number of things you can do to prevent plantar fasciitis and tarsal tunnel syndrome, including wearing supportive shoes, avoiding overuse, stretching your feet regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and treating any underlying medical conditions.
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