If you’re in so much pain you can’t walk, this article will help. We will discuss plantar fasciitis (pronunciation plan · taar fa · shee · ai · tuhs) – a painful inflammation of the ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes.
This problem can strike anyone, but it’s particularly common among athletes, runners, and people who spend a lot of time on their feet. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for this painful foot condition. It will also explore how whole body vibration machines can help?
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar: the bottom of the foot, where the foot is “planted” on the ground.
Fascia: the tendons and ligaments that connect the ball to the heel of the foot, as shown by the drawn arrows on this foot.
Plantar Fasciitis: a painful condition when the fascia on the plantar area of the foot become inflamed, usually from excessive high impact exercise, walking or standing.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
There are a few different things that can cause plantar fasciitis, but most of them boil down to overuse or misuse of your feet. Here are some common culprits:
High-Impact Exercise
When you engage in high-impact exercise, your feet are subjected to a lot of stress and impact. This can cause small tears in the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and pain.
Tight or Weak Calf Muscles
Your calf muscles are connected to your Achilles tendon, which in turn connects to your plantar fascia. If your calf muscles are too tight, it can put extra strain on your plantar fascia. If they are too weak, it can lead to compensatory movements in your feet and ankles that can also contribute to plantar fasciitis.
Poor Foot Mechanics
If you have flat feet or high arches, it can affect the way your foot absorbs shock when you walk or run. This can put extra stress on your plantar fascia. Similarly, if you pronate (roll your foot inward) or supinate (roll your foot outward) when you walk, it can cause imbalances in your foot mechanics that can lead to plantar fasciitis.
Obesity
Carrying extra weight puts more pressure on your feet, which can lead to plantar fasciitis. Additionally, obesity can contribute to poor foot mechanics, which can also be a factor in the development of plantar fasciitis.
In short, the causes of plantar fasciitis all come down to excessive stress or strain on the plantar fascia ligament. Whether it’s due to high-impact exercise, poor foot mechanics, or obesity, the end result is inflammation and pain.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are a result of the inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia ligament in the foot. The pain is usually focused on the bottom of your heel and can be quite sharp. You might also feel a dull ache in your heel throughout the day, particularly after standing for extended periods. Here’s a breakdown of why each symptom occurs:
Sharp pain in the heel
The sharp pain in the heel is caused by the inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia ligament. This pain is usually felt on the bottom of the heel and can be quite intense, particularly in the morning or after periods of rest.
Stiffness
The stiffness in the foot is due to the inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia ligament. This can cause the foot to feel tight or difficult to move, particularly in the morning.
Swelling
The swelling or tenderness in the heel is a result of the inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia ligament. The body’s natural response to injury is to send fluids to the affected area, which can cause swelling and tenderness.
Walking difficulties
Walking difficulties can occur due to the sharp pain and stiffness associated with plantar fasciitis. It can be difficult to put weight on the affected foot, particularly if the pain is severe. This can make walking or standing for long periods of time challenging.
In summary, the symptoms of plantar fasciitis are a result of the inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia ligament in the foot. By addressing the underlying causes of plantar fasciitis through treatments like rest, ice, and whole body vibration machines like LifetimeVibe, you can help alleviate these symptoms and prevent them from becoming chronic.
Treating Plantar Fasciitis
Now that we’ve covered the causes and symptoms of plantar fasciitis, let’s talk about how to treat it. Here are some common treatments that might help:
Rest
This might be the hardest one for intense athletes, but sometimes the best thing you can do for plantar fasciitis is rest. Avoid high-impact exercise and try to keep weight off of your feet as much as possible.
Ice
Applying ice to your heel can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Try using an ice pack for 15-20 minutes at a time, a few times a day.
Stretch
Gentle stretching can help relieve tension in your calf muscles and take some of the pressure off your plantar fascia. Try doing calf stretches or using a foam roller on your calves. A whole body vibration plate can help with this.
Supportive Shoes
Wearing shoes with good arch support can help take some of the pressure off your plantar fascia. Look for shoes with a wide toe box and a low heel.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can help you develop an exercise plan that focuses on stretching and strengthening the muscles in your feet and calves. They can also provide massage and other techniques to help alleviate pain and inflammation.
Medication
Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis. Your doctor might also prescribe a stronger medication if your pain is severe.
Whole Body Vibration Machines:
Whole body vibration machines like LifetimeVibe have been shown to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis. These machines use high-frequency vibration to stimulate muscles and increase circulation, which can help promote healing in the affected area.
For plantar fasciitis, do not stand on the platform. Instead, stand or sit in front of the plate and rest your feet on it. This movement can increase circulation, improve flexibility and help reduce pain. Whole body vibration plates can be a great addition to your treatment plan, but it’s important to talk to your doctor before using them to make sure they’re right for you.
“They brought out a 3-inch needle”
Hear Dr. Cooper describe his journey treating plantar fasciitis.
“The medical doctor brought out a 3-inch needle and injected it into the bottom of my foot. The pain was incredible! So I said I’m not going back. Then I searched for anything else I could find until I found whole body vibration.
“I have used creams, I have used orthotics, I have paid $150-$200 for different pairs of tennis shoes, I even tried Epsom salts…nothing helped me! But within three weeks of using LifetimeVibe, I never had a problem again!” Dr. Terrance Cooper
Remember, the most important thing you can do for plantar fasciitis is to seek treatment early. Ignoring the pain of plantar fasciitis will not help it to heal, it will only make it worse. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you and be consistent with your self-care.
Flexibility and Circulation Exercises for Plantar Fasciitis
A whole body vibration plate can help relieve foot pain from plantar fasciitis. Do not stand on the plate. Instead sit or stand in front of the plate and rest your feet on the plate as it vibrates. You can use a stool or chair to sit on in front of the plate and rest your feet on the vibration platform.
Use speeds between 5 and 10hz, or 20-40 speeds on the Lifetimevibe. Experiment with stretches that loosen the calves, hamstrings and relax the feet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. It’s usually caused by overuse or misuse of your feet, but it can also be related to other factors like obesity or poor foot mechanics. Symptoms include sharp pain in the heel, stiffness, and swelling.
Treatments include rest, ice, stretching, supportive shoes, whole body vibration machines like LifetimeVibe, physical therapy, and medication. Remember to talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment, and be consistent with your self-care. With the right treatment plan, you can get back on your feet and back to your active lifestyle in no time!