Plantar fasciitis is irritation and swelling of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot
January 20 2016

Plantar fasciitis typically affects active men ages 40 - 70.This condition is one of the most common orthopedic complaints relating to the foot. At times it may be associated with a heel spur.

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is present in 10% of the population and is the most common cause of plantar heel pain. PF is painful, can alter daily activities and presents as a sharp pain localized to the plantar foot and medial heel.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The plantar fascia is a very thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. This band of tissue is what creates the arch of the foot. When the fascia is overstretched or overused, it can become inflamed. When the fascia is inflamed, it can be painful and make walking more difficult.

The underlying etiology involves microtrauma to the plantar fascia, specifically at its insertion point on the calcaneus.

Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:
Foot arch problems (both flat feet and high arches) and having tight calf muscles.
Obesity or sudden weight gain or being overweight.
Repetitive loading on the feet from long-distance running, especially running downhill or on uneven surfaces
Tight Achilles tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel)
Shoes with poor arch support or soft soles.
Being female.
Working in a job in which you must walk around or stand on a hard surface for long periods.
 

Symptoms and signs
Common  symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
Pain that is worse when getting out of bed in the morning, or when starting to walk after sitting for a long time.
Pain that subsides after walking for a few minutes.
Discomfort that increases after -- not during -- exercise.

Medical treatment
Plantar fasciitis is a common and often disabling condition. Because the natural history of plantar fasciitis is not understood, it is difficult to distinguish between those patients who recover spontaneously and those who respond to formal treatment. Surgical release of the plantar fascia is effective in the small proportion of patients who do not respond to conservative measures. New techniques such as endoscopic plantar release and extracorporeal shockwave therapy may have a role but the limited availability of equipment and skills means that most patients will continue to be treated by more traditional techniques.

Avoid putting weight on the foot until the inflammation has subsided.
Ice the bottom of the foot several times per day, for 20 minutes at a time.
Talk to your doctor about occasionally taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication to alleviate pain and inflammation such as Motrin or Aleve.
Practice gentle stretching exercises of the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon.
Add arch supports to your shoes.

Emails
Any natural treatment suggestions for plantar fascitis?
   I have not come across a reliable natural treatment with supplements for this condition, but I am looking.