How to treat pregnancy-related plantar fasciitis

Pregnant women experience a great deal of pain and suffering because of the numerous physical and physiological changes that pregnancy brings about in the body. So that you can feel as comfortable as possible throughout your pregnancy, a few pains and discomforts need to be alleviated.

Plantar fasciitis: what is it?

Gaining weight as the pregnancy goes on is natural. The stance (the position of the legs when standing) is altered by this healthy weight gain to support the body. Causing the foot to pronate (flattening of the arch of the foot so that it touches the ground, causing the step to roll inwards).

The Plantar fascia, an elastic-like structure that extends from the heel bone to the base of the toes, is put under more strain as a result, which can cause minor rips and irritation. Plantar fasciitis is then determined to be the cause.

How can foot discomfort be distinguished from plantar fasciitis?

Indicators of plantar fasciitis include:

·       Sharp, stabbing discomfort

·       Restricted to the heel's inward side.

·       Occurs after getting out of bed in the morning or getting up from a chair after spending a lot of time sitting.

·       Once the person has had some time to relax, this might be lessened.

·       The discomfort could become a dull ache by nightfall.

How can this plantar fasciitis discomfort be reduced?

Regardless of treatment, plantar fasciitis is a self-limiting illness that typically becomes better within a year.

There are several different ways to address heel discomfort that arises during pregnancy, including:

·       Rest: Steer clear of prolonged standing. In the early days, aggravating activities should be avoided because some movements can make the foot pain worse.

·       Correcting your posture: It will help ensure that your body weight is evenly distributed across your foot and prevent awkward foot movements, which can help to some extent with plantar fasciitis pain.

·       Stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as self-myofascial release: the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantar fascia.

·       Icing: Icing the feet can assist in the short term by numbing the heels and reducing inflammation, but it is not a long-term cure for plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis and other foot ailments can be relieved of their pain and inflammation by applying ice for 15 to 20 minutes.

·       Modalities of physical treatment: Ultrasound therapy can aid in reducing inflammation in the acute stages, which can stop the condition from getting worse.

·       Dry needing and taping: A minimally invasive non-surgical treatment employing dry needling and taping has been demonstrated to be beneficial in relieving plantar discomfort. Taping: The gastrocnemius and plantar fascia are taped for a whole week. Low Dye and calcaneal taping are the most frequently utilized taping procedures, however, a comprehensive evaluation found that they likely only provide pain relief for about a week. Stretching and tapping work better together than taping only.

·       Orthotic footwear: Footwear that supports the foot arches 

·       Night splinting: The plantar fascia is continuously stretched by night splinting, which keeps the ankle dorsiflexed and the toes extended.

What is the role of physiotherapy in treating plantar fasciitis?

Before beginning any treatment on your own, it is best to get professional counsel because many treatment options are unsuitable during pregnancy. A physical therapist will examine your posture, give you advice on specific exercises that are safe to do while pregnant, and, if necessary, proceed with other therapy methods.

Percentage of postpartum mothers with plantar fasciitis:

Plantar fasciitis affects more than 2% of women, which is 2.5 times more than it does in men.

What results from a lack of treatment for plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis can cause scar tissue and chronic heel and arch discomfort if it is not treated.

A change in gait (walking style) brought on by pain may also result in difficulties with the hip, knee, and ankle. Because the human body is a kinetic chain, if one joint is injured, the other joints in the kinetic chain of the lower extremities are likely to follow.

Therefore, it's crucial to get this situation adequately analyzed and not neglect it.