Plantar fasciitis is a foot injury that has many symptoms, which include leg pain, heel pain and swelling.
Identification
Plantar fasciitis is an injury involving inflammation and irritation of your plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue at the bottom of your foot. It could be the result of overuse, running, foot structural imbalance or improper footwear.
Function
Your plantar fascia functions much like a shock-absorbing bowstring, according to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. It supports your foot arch through tension, but if this tension becomes too great, you can cause it to over-stretch or tear.
Leg Pain
People with plantar fasciitis often have a tight Achilles tendon, which can cause leg pain and add additional strain to the plantar fascia. When your plantar fascia is weak, the surrounding muscles are affected as well because they are subjected to additional strain.
Solution
Do simple stretching exercises such as plantar flexion and dorsiflexion, along with flexibility exercises for your Achilles tendon and leg muscles. This will improve the flexibility and strength of your foot while also relieving pain.
Treatments
Other treatments to relieve plantar fasciitis and leg pain include resting, elevating, massaging, use of orthotic shoe inserts, night splints and anti-inflammatory medications.
Tags: plantar fascia, your foot, your plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, additional strain
