What is Plantar Fasciitis?
There is a ligament that connects the heel of your foot to the toes, and a bone that supports your arch. This is called the plantarís fascia and when it becomes weak, irritated, or swollen, your heel, or the bottom of the foot, will hurt particularly when you stand or when you walk. Middle aged people are more apt to have plantar fasciitis although, young people will also have the condition if they stand, run or walk a lot. It is something that can happen to either one foot or both feet.

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Plantar Fasciitis does have symptoms which start with pain when you get up in the morning and take those first steps, and also if you sit for a long period of time. After you have taken a few more steps the stiffness and pain may subside. However, your foot, or feet, will hurt you more as the day progresses. Standing or climbing stairs can hurt the most. However, foot pain that you feel at night may be a totally different problem.

Treatment to Relieve Plantar Fasciitis
Treatment for plantar fasciitis is not very involved, if you begin the treatment early. In fact, you can treat the condition at home by resting the foot/feet, applying ice, and taking an over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol. This can help to reduce the pain. A device placed in your shoe can also help alleviate some of the pain. Such a device is called an orthotic device and can sometimes reverse the condition. If the home remedy does not help then you should see your doctor or a podiatrist. If treatment is not sought early then other problems with the hip, knee, or back can develop.

There are exercises that help relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis and other heel pain. Plantar Fasciitis exercises can make your foot stronger and more flexible and it will relieve the pain. If you have plantar fasciitis you may also have a tight Achilles tendon. These two conditions almost always come together. Therefore, you should perform exercises that are specifically for loosening up the Achilles tendon.

One such exercise to strengthen the plantar fascia is as follows:
Stand two to three feet away from a wall and lean forward towards the wall; keep your knees straight and your heels should be flat on the floor. At this point you will feel your calf and your Achilles tendon tightening up. Stay in that position for about ten seconds. Rest and then repeat the exercise a few more times. This exercise will strengthen your calf and Achilles tendon and they will eventually become more flexible and will prevent any further heel pain or injury.

Another exercise to relieve the heel pain of plantar fasciitis is simple and can be done in conjunction with the first exercise or separately. For this exercise you will need either a tennis ball or a rolling pin. Sit in a chair and place the tennis ball or rolling pin on the floor and place your foot on it. Roll your tennis ball or the rolling pin slowly along the bottom of your foot. This exercise is used to stretch the ligament of the plantar fascia.

Slipping your toes into SmartToes™ will also increase flexibility and circulation. This will cause your feet to relax and ease the discomfort of plantar fasciitis.