Plantar Fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes heel pain and makes walking difficult. Think of a heavy band from your heels to the front of your foot - this is the Plantar Fascia, which supports your arch and absorbs shock when you are walking. When this band becomes inflamed, that is Plantar Fasciitis.
People often have a stabbing pain in their bottom heel when they first stand in the morning or after sitting for a long time. The pain may lessen with movement but may return after standing for long periods or when you stand up after resting.
This particular condition is more frequent in runners and obese individuals due to the greater stress on their Plantar Fascia. Others at risk include people who wear poorly supported shoes, who stand a lot for their work and people with high arches or flat feet that can increase the load on the Plantar Fascia.
Knowing what causes Plantar Fasciitis may help in pain management and prevent it from worsening. It is important to treat the discomfort early to avoid more serious foot, knee or back problems later.
Plantar Fasciitis is normally caused by activities or physical conditions that put more stress on the Plantar Fascia. Understanding these triggers may help with preventing and managing the condition.
The most common causes of Plantar Fasciitis are:
Overuse & Activity Level: Activities that place high demands on your heels and associated tissues, such as long distance jogging, ballerina dancing, and other high impact sports, can cause Plantar Fasciitis. The Plantar Fascia may become inflamed or damaged by regular participation in such strenuous activities without proper foot support.
Foot Mechanics: Your foot structure also plays a huge part in this. People with high arches or flat feet, or with an unusual pattern of walking, cause extra pressure to be put on the Plantar Fascia causing inflammation.
Improper Footwear: Shoes that don't support the arch of the feet or that are worn out can lead to Plantar Fasciitis. High heels which put a lot of pressure on the front side of the feet can also bring about or aggravate the condition.
Excess Weight: The extra weight can further stress the Plantar Fascia if the weight gain is sudden. This is common in pregnant women as increased weight and hormonal changes can cause inflammation of the fascia.
Occupational Hazards: Work which calls for long hours of walking and standing on difficult surfaces might raise the risk of Plantar Fasciitis. Teachers, factory workers and others in occupations that put a lot of strain on the feet are particularly vulnerable.
Plantar Fasciitis is quite discomforting for individuals and could restrict your ability to remain active or perform your daily tasks. Recognising the signs and symptoms early may help prevent further complications of this foot condition.
The most noticeable signs and symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis are:
A typical sign of Plantar Fasciitis is a shooting pain in the heels when you initially stand in the morning. It is painful because the Plantar Fascia tightens up during sleep and is most acute immediately after awakening.
Like the morning pain, you may experience pain after sitting for a while. The pain subsides after a few steps but is initially quite severe as the fascia re-stretches.
Moving may ease the pain initially but prolonged walking or standing may cause the pain to return during the day and difficulty performing daily tasks.
Surprisingly, though exercising might intensify the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis, individuals typically suffer the pain after completing a physical exercise instead of during the activity itself.
Touching the bottom of your heel might feel tender or sore to the touch and this area is often situated just above where the Plantar Fascia connects to the heel bone.
Some people also experience mild swelling or redness around the heel but this is less frequent than other symptoms.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Plantar Fasciitis using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: Scientifically-formulated mixtures that help restore balance in the body and maintain emotional stability.
Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness-Practices: Calming activities encourage mental wellness and overall health.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Therapies like Panchakarma and various massages to detoxify the body and improve emotional stability.
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations: Expert advice on changing your eating and lifestyle habits to achieve the healthiest lifestyle possible.
Ayurvedic medicine are formulated carefully to treat Plantar Fasciitis which strengthens the immune system and alleviates Plantar Fasciitis symptoms. These herbal formulations have been documented for their effectiveness in treating Plantar Fasciitis. Following are some commonly used naturally-sourced Ayurvedic herbs used to formulate efficient Ayrvedic medicines for Plantar Fasciitis:
Guggulu: This resin has anti-inflammatory properties. Guggulu reduces swelling and pain in the heel and is often prescribed for Plantar Fasciitis symptoms.
Shallaki: Also called Boswellia, Shallaki is another anti-inflammatory agent used to alleviate the pain and discomfort of Plantar Fasciitis.
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha strengthens tissues and relieves stress on the Plantar Fascia.
Haritaki: Haritaki is included in the Triphala formulation for general health and for balancing Vata in conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis.
Turmeric: Turmeric is an effective anti-inflammatory compound which decreases pain and swelling in affected areas.
Ginger: Consumed fresh as a spice in food or as a supplement, ginger may improve circulation and decrease inflammation, alleviating heel pain.
In Ayurveda, Plantar Fasciitis is often associated with vitiation of the Vata dosha that affects the lower part of the body including the feet.
Yes, Ayurveda can prevent Plantar Fasciitis by recommending a diet and lifestyle that balances the Vata dosha (foot care, diet adjustments and certain exercises).
Using supportive shoes, managing weight to stay away from extra stress on the feet, and avoiding excessive jogging or jumping can prevent Plantar Fasciitis.
Ayurveda diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis is based on symptoms, detailed patient history and assessment of body dosha imbalances (Vata dosha primarily).
Foot massages with herbal oils, gentle stretching exercises and Ayurvedic therapies like Panchakarma can ease the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis.
Yes, specific yoga asanas that stretch and strengthen the feet may relieve the Plantar Fascia strain.
Herbs like Turmeric, Ginger and Guggulu are anti-inflammatory and reduce pain and swelling.
A few weeks of consistent treatment may produce improvement but full relief may take longer depending on severity.
Yes, Panchakarma could be good for detoxifying the body, restoring the body’s balance and managing the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis.
Warm cooked meals, dairy products and nuts are foods included in an Ayurvedic diet for Plantar Fasciitis which help in balancing Vata imbalance.
Shoes with adequate arch support and padding to relieve pressure and impact on the Plantar Fascia are recommended.
