The soles of my feet feel uncomfortable and I can't explain it

Many people experience discomfort in the soles of their feet, which is one of the most obvious symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is mainly caused by long-term overload pressure. When it occurs, there will be pain and various discomforts, which will have a great impact on people's walking function, so it needs timely treatment. The following is a detailed introduction to the causes, clinical manifestations and treatments of plantar fasciitis.

1. Causes

Acute or chronic injury to the plantar fascia due to long-term overload pressure is the main cause of pain. The most common cause is frequent long-term walking, including mountain climbing, hiking, shopping and other activities. Walking for several days in a row can easily cause chronic damage to the sole of the foot, leading to plantar fasciitis. In addition, there are structural factors that lead to abnormal tension in the plantar fascia, such as flat feet, high arches, and short heel tendons. In the long run, improper posture and force when walking may cause pain in the waist, hips, knees, ankles and other parts.

2. Clinical manifestations

The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain and discomfort. Generally speaking, the pain is most obvious in the first step when getting out of bed in the morning. This is mainly because after a night's rest, the plantar fascia is no longer weight-bearing and is in a shorter state. Therefore, when you get out of bed and step on the ground in the morning, the plantar fascia will be stretched more and faster, causing pain. But after walking for a while, the plantar fascia will become looser and the symptoms will ease. However, if you walk excessively, the plantar fascia will be stretched more and more often and the symptoms will reappear. The tenderness point is often on the sole of the foot near the heel. Sometimes the tenderness is severe and persists. The pain caused is characterized by throbbing, burning, and stabbing sensations.

Treatment

1. Physical therapy

Rest and use physical therapy to improve heel pain, including ultrashort wave, electrotherapy, etc. For heel pain caused by standing for a long time or exercising, you can apply ice to the heel for 10 to 15 minutes. If there is no significant improvement, local blockade may be considered.

2. Arch support

Using insoles with arch support can evenly distribute the pressure on the soles of the patients' feet, effectively reducing the tension on the plantar fascia when the lower limbs are bearing weight, thereby reducing the damage to the plantar fascia caused by repeated pulling.

3. Stretching

(1) Lean against a wall and stretch your upper arms forward to shoulder height. Press the wall with your palms. Bend one knee and push it toward the wall while keeping the other knee straight. Bend your knee and slowly lean forward while trying to keep your heel flat on the ground. When you feel the Achilles tendon and arch of the foot stretching, maintain this position for 10 seconds, then relax and stand upright.

(2) Lean forward against a fixed object and slowly squat down, keeping your heels on the ground. When you feel your Achilles tendon and arch of your foot rising off the ground and your muscles fully stretched, hold this position for 10 seconds and then stand up. Can be practiced repeatedly.

(3) Stand on the bottom step of the stairs balancing on your front foot. Slowly lower your heel until you begin to feel a stretch in your calf muscles. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then stand up and repeat.

4. Other treatments

(1) Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics.

(2) Local blockade treatment.

(3) Topical patches can stimulate nerve endings, reduce irritation, and relieve pain.

(4) Soaking your feet in hot water regularly can relieve pain.