Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects the heel and bottom of the foot,
causing pain and discomfort. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Causes

1. Overuse: Repetitive strain on the plantar fascia, a band of tissue supporting the arch.
2. Poor foot mechanics: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal pronation.
3. Age: Wear and tear on the plantar fascia over time.
4. Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on the plantar fascia.
5. Footwear: Wearing shoes with poor arch support or cushioning.

Symptoms

1. Heel pain: Sharp, stabbing, or aching pain in the heel.
2. Bottom of foot pain: Pain or tenderness in the arch or bottom of the foot.
3. Morning pain: Pain is often worse in the morning or after periods of rest.
4. Limited mobility: Pain can make it difficult to walk, run, or perform daily activities.

Treatment Options

1. Conservative treatments: Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), stretching, and
   physical therapy.
2. Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts or orthotics to redistribute pressure and alleviate
   pain.
3. Night splints: Devices worn at night to stretch the plantar fascia.
4. Corticosteroid injections: Injecting steroids into the affected area to reduce
   inflammation.
5. Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to release the plantar fascia.

Ozone Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Some studies suggest ozone therapy may:

1. Reduce inflammation: Ozone therapy can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
2. Improve tissue repair: Ozone therapy may enhance tissue repair and promote healing.
3. Relax muscles: Ozone therapy can help relax muscles and reduce muscle spasms.

Prevention

1. Wear supportive shoes: Choose shoes with good arch support and cushioning.
2. Stretch regularly: Stretch the feet, ankles, and calves to reduce tension.
3. Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put additional stress on the plantar fascia.
4. Avoid overuse: Gradually increase activity levels to avoid putting repetitive strain on the
   plantar fascia.