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Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition which can strike any part of the underside of the foot between the heel and the toes. The condition affects a structure called the plantar fascia, which is a band of fibrous tissue which connects the heel to the ball of the foot. Its function is to support the foot arch and help hold the foot’s shape. It has been estimated that the structure carries as much as 14% of the load of the foot, so it is no surprise that it is prone to injury.
When the plantar fascia becomes over stretched or over strained small tears can form in the tissue which leads to inflammation and intense pain, especially after a long period of rest. During rest the plantar fascia contracts and the sudden stretching can trigger severe pain. This pain is most commonly felt first thing in the morning. Whilst pain can strike at any point along its length, plantar fasciitis most commonly affects the heel, where the tissue attaches to the heel bone.
Heel pain treatment options are numerous, and are concerned with cushioning and supporting the plantar fascia, as well as keeping it in a stretched state to prevent morning foot pain. Whilst heel pain treatment options vary in their effectiveness from individual to individual, there are two which have proved to be highly effective with most sufferers. Heel pain treatment devices for plantar fasciitis can be split into two categories. Those which keep the plantar fascia stretched during rest, such as a plantar fasciitis splint, and those which provide cushioning and ease the strain on the tissue such as heel seats.
Splints are particularly effective at preventing morning foot pain, and are strapped to the foot at bedtime and keep the tissue in its stretched state. Without the contraction the foot is prepared for the first few steps, and the devices can eradicate morning foot pain. Heel seats on the other hand are devices which are placed under the heel and fit easily into most shoes. By elevating the heel the plantar fascia is not required to stretch and flex as much when walking which eases the pain and prevents further damage. They are also particularly effective at easing the pain from heel spurs by cushioning the heel.
Both of heel pain treatment options can be used together to give round the clock treatment and can be highly effective on their own. However most people benefit from stretching exercises as well, which can be performed during the day.
If you suffer from morning foot pain from plantar fasciitis, or have heel spurs, these heel pain treatment options can offer much needed pain relief, and can help you recover quickly from the condition. Most importantly they can both offer instant pain relief.
Article Source: sooperarticles.com/health-fitness-articles/physical-therapy-articles/best-heel-pain-treatment-options-plantar-fasciitis-629777.html
About Author:
Jane Simmons writes about health, fitness and improving personal wellness. She recommends getting heel pain checked by a doctor to receive advice on the best heel pain treatment options for each individual condition. Armed with the right information, the best products can be selected to ease the pain from plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.Author: Jane Simmons