Pain in the sole of the foot is known as plantar fasciitis, and when this tissue becomes inflamed or swollen, discomfort is felt, according to Medline Plus, the United States National Library of Medicine.
In addition, the Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit organization dedicated to clinical practice, education, and research, explained that plantar fasciitis commonly causes shooting pain that It usually occurs with the first few steps in the morning, but then when the person gets up and moves around, the pain usually subsides, although it may return after standing for long periods of time or when the person stands up from sitting. .
Additionally, the library explained that Inflammation occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot (fascia) is stretched or overstretched.
Similarly, according to the non-profit entity, some factors that may increase the risk of developing this condition are:
- Age. Plantar fasciitis is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60.
- Certain types of exercise. Activities that put a lot of pressure on the heel and attached tissues, such as long-distance running, ballet, and aerobic dance, can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.
- Foot mechanics. Flat feet, a high arch, or even an atypical gait pattern can affect how weight is distributed when you stand and can put more stress on your plantar fascia.
- Obesity. Excess weight puts additional pressure on the plantar fascia.
- Professions in which you have to stand up. Factory workers, teachers, and others who spend most of their work hours walking or standing on hard surfaces may be at increased risk of plantar fasciitis.
Thus, the Portuguese health, nutrition and well-being portal Tua Saúde revealed that “treatment usually includes the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs indicated by the doctor, as well as various physiotherapy sessions to promote faster recovery.”
Likewise, the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo revealed, in its health section, that another recommendation is to take baths with essential oils such as lavender or rosemary, because they have anti-inflammatory properties and to do so, you must fill a bucket with warm water and a handful of salt. . Then a few drops of the oil of choice are added and finally the feet are submerged for a few minutes and gently massaged with the hands to feel greater relief.
However, the Mayo Clinic explained that if more conservative measures aren’t working after several months, your doctor might recommend the following:
- “Injections. Injecting steroid medications into the sensitive area can provide temporary pain relief. Multiple injections are not recommended, as they can weaken the plantar fascia and possibly cause it to rupture. Using ultrasound imaging, platelet-rich plasma obtained from the patient’s own blood can be injected to promote tissue healing.
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy. In this procedure, sound waves are directed at the area of heel pain to stimulate recovery. It is generally used for chronic plantar fasciitis that has not responded to more conservative treatments. Some studies show promising results, but they have not been shown to be consistently effective.
- Ultrasonic tissue repair. This minimally invasive technology was developed in part by Mayo Clinic doctors. It uses ultrasound imaging to guide a needle-like probe into damaged plantar fascia tissue. Using ultrasound energy, the probe tip rapidly vibrates to break up damaged tissue, which is then suctioned out.
- Surgery. Some people require surgery to separate the plantar fascia from the heel bone. Generally, it is an option only when the pain is severe and other treatments have failed. It can be done as an open procedure or through a small incision under local anesthesia.”
In any case, the information given above in no way replaces medical advice and therefore the first thing to do is consult a health expert so that he or she can guide the process and indicate what is most appropriate for each person. .