Tom Murphy
Newswire21.org
Feeling a little out of step after all that holiday shopping?
All that extra walking and standing on line at the mall can trigger a painful condition called plantar fasciitis, according to orthopaedists.
The pain typically starts in the heel and may be felt on the first step in the morning. While a variety of simple exercises and treatments can help, it can get much worse if ignored. Aside from limiting your activities, ice and stretching are the most common treatments for early cases. Shock-absorbing shoes and over-the-counter arch supports can help, too.
The problem has sidelined athletes, like NY Giants quarterback Eli Manning, but 90 percent of the patients get better after two months of treatment.
Icing the inflamed area three or four times a day for 20 minutes may help. A doctor may also may proscribe certain stretching exercises to loosen up the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, the tissue that supports the arch of the foot.
"A key component of a plantar fascia specific stretching program is when it is performed and how often," said Dr. Benedict DiGiovanni, an associate professor in the University of Rochester Medical Center's Department of Orthopaedics. "Based on findings from our research work, I instruct patients to perform the stretch prior to the first step in the morning and prior to weight bearing after periods of inactivity, such as sitting for lunch or driving in the car."
DiGiovanni says most patients stretch up to 4-5 times a day during the first month of treatment and then cut back based on their symptoms.
If the conservative treatments don't work, an orthopaedic surgeon may advise steroidal injections, walking casts or splints. If left untreated, the condition can turn into a chronic condition, changing the way you walk and leading to problems in the foot, knee, hip or back.
It's a good idea to see your doctor for advice, or visit the Association of Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons on the web for more information.
