Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain, particularly in the heel, affecting athletes and non-athletes.
This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, or the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed or irritated. Overweight individuals, runners, or those with a high foot arch often incur this annoying problem.
Several aspects must be considered to understand the causes of plantar fasciitis, ranging from evaluating footwear to looking for associated pathologies and neurological, congenital, or metabolic issues.
Bursitis is a risk factor that can cause inflammation involving the retrocalcaneal or subcutaneous serous bursae. This inflammation can be triggered by anatomical problems, such as calcaneal spine or hollow foot, or wearing the wrong footwear.
Heel pain can result from improper workouts caused by overstraining or doing exercises incorrectly. Excessive stress on the heel, typical in sports such as soccer, volleyball, and basketball, can also cause pain.
Insertional tendinopathy, a condition in which the tendon or adjacent areas are involved, can be caused by overuse of loading in the calcaneal area.
Other causes include being overweight, obesity, osteoarthritis, rheumatic diseases, postural changes, unsuitable footwear, and metabolic diseases such as gout. Rheumatic diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and chondrocalcinosis, as well as conditions such as psoriasis, can also contribute to heel pain.

Usually, heel pain resolves within a few weeks, but sometimes it can become chronic, causing discomfort that tends to recur.
The best treatment for heel pain is to identify the precise cause. Always consult your doctor or an expert for an accurate diagnosis. Addressing the problem promptly is essential to prevent any worsening and avoid risks of incorrect compensation.

A thorough biomechanical assessment is necessary to analyze your walking style and identify the cause of the disorder. If necessary, using a custom-made footbed and appropriate footwear can help relax the fascia and relieve the heel.

Shock wave therapy is another important strategy, as it is safe, noninvasive, repeatable, and almost free of side effects.
Surgery is reserved for severe cases of fasciitis where natural measures are insufficient. Even then, a rehabilitation period with customized footwear and orthotics will be necessary.

Fortunately, there are also grandmother’s remedies to treat heelitis that can reduce pain and speed recovery:

• regular exercises can improve the muscles of the foot and provide adequate support to the heel;
• ice massage: this involves massaging the feet with ice packs to help fight inflammation;
• rest: a crucial aspect of recovery, especially for runners or people whose jobs require them to be on their feet continuously;
• turmeric: known for its anti-inflammatory properties, consuming turmeric can help reduce inflammation of all types, including plantar fasciitis.

These home remedies can alleviate the pain associated with this condition and aid the healing process.
Targeted stretching exercises, combined with massage and the use of essential oils, balms, or creams with anti-inflammatory properties, help treat heel pain.

Note that although these remedies can relieve symptoms, they should not replace the advice of a medical professional and should be used in conjunction with recommended treatments.

Making sure you wear the right shoes is essential for managing heel pain.
Wearing the wrong footwear can lead to uneven body weight distribution, exacerbating the condition and allowing it to persist. The correct shoe helps relieve pressure by providing adequate support to the arch and heel, promoting overall foot health.

Several footwear brands offer models specifically designed to address plantar fasciitis, providing optimal comfort through a sophisticated cushioning system. When selecting footwear to counteract heel fasciitis, it is essential to ensure they offer solid support for the arch and heel, have adequate cushioning, and provide a comfortable fit. It is always advisable to try on shoes, as sizes can vary between brands. In the decision-making process, favor comfort over design or brand.

Characteristics of shoes to consider for plantar fasciitis
Finding the right pair of shoes is critical when you suffer from plantar fasciitis.
It’s not just about comfort; proper footwear can also help reduce pain and promote recovery. Here are some key features to consider when choosing shoes if you suffer from plantar fasciitis:

• Arch support: arch support in shoes is usually essential for people with plantar fasciitis. Shoes with strong arch support help relieve stress on the plantar fascia, making it easier to walk and stand without pain. It’s a good idea to look for shoes with curved soles that closely match the natural curvature of the foot, helping to distribute pressure evenly during movement.
• Cushioning: the next point is cushioning. Just like a soft bed that cradles the body during sleep, cushioning absorbs the impact of the foot on the ground. A shoe with sufficient cushioning provides greater comfort and can significantly reduce foot pressure.
• Heel support: heel support is another critical feature. It helps reduce the impact on the heel area, which is often the most painful in plantar fasciitis. A heel support in the shoe can help stabilize the foot and prevent further inflammation or injury.
• Stability: stability is also a priority. Shoes for plantar fasciitis should have a strong, rigid midsole to prevent the foot from moving inward while walking, a condition known as overpronation. This support can help reduce strain on the plantar fascia;
• Shock absorption: finally, one must consider the shoe’s shock absorption capabilities. Shoes with adequate shock absorption can increase comfort levels and help limit the impact your feet experience during activities such as walking or running. This feature generally comes from the materials in the shoe’s sole and insole and is essential to minimizing discomfort.

If you pay attention to these features when buying footwear, you can help your feet feel better and heal from plantar fasciitis more effectively.