[Click! Health] Fearful to Step Due to 'Jokjeogeunmakyeom'... "Lifestyle Improvement is Important"

Last year, the number of patients who visited hospitals due to plantar fasciitis reached approximately 270,000. Experts emphasized the need to improve lifestyle habits, such as wearing comfortable shoes, to prevent plantar fasciitis.

The photo is not related to the article content. [Photo provided by Pixabay]

According to Korea University Guro Hospital on the 12th, fascia is a membrane that surrounds the muscles in our body, and the plantar fascia refers to the thick membrane surrounding the muscles on the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia starts from the heel bone and extends to the toe bones, forming the arch of the foot and absorbing shock, thereby aiding in walking.

Plantar fasciitis means inflammation of this plantar fascia, causing pain. Pain usually begins on the inside of the heel, but in chronic cases, patients may complain of pain along the inside of the foot, the middle of the foot, or the entire sole. Pain is more severe when first getting up in the morning or after sitting for a long time. Although the pain may seem to ease while walking, it worsens again after walking or running for a long time.

According to the National Health Insurance Service health insurance treatment data, the number of plantar fasciitis patients last year was 271,850. This is about twice the number from 10 years ago, which was 138,583. Among the approximately 270,000 patients, 115,000 were male and 156,000 were female, with female patients being about 1.36 times more than males.

The most common cause of plantar fasciitis is stress on the plantar fascia due to repetitive use. It is more common in cases of intense exercise, middle age, or being overweight. It can also occur when wearing shoes with hard or thin soles. The incidence increases depending on structural causes of the foot, such as flat feet with low or no arch, or high-arched feet (pes cavus).

Bone spurs, which appear as protrusions on regular X-ray exams, may be found, but many cases show no abnormal findings. Ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to check for abnormalities in surrounding tissues, but these are not always necessary for diagnosis.

Experts explain that plantar fasciitis symptoms can usually be relieved with conservative treatment that controls activity. However, if symptoms do not improve after more than six months of conservative treatment, surgery to remove or lengthen part of the painful plantar fascia may be considered. Anti-inflammatory painkillers can be used to control symptoms in severe cases, but they are not a fundamental treatment.

Improving lifestyle habits is most important for relieving symptoms and preventing plantar fasciitis. In particular, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes with cushioning on the sole. When standing for long periods or exercising, regularly stretching or massaging the sole before and after activity is also effective. Strengthening exercises for the foot muscles can also help.

Professor Park Young-hwan of the Department of Orthopedics at Korea University Guro Hospital said, "Since our feet are used every day, once symptoms occur, they immediately affect daily life and can reduce quality of life. It is very important to receive timely treatment through accurate diagnosis."

Professor Park added, "Prevention and treatment are possible through lifestyle management such as maintaining appropriate weight, moderate exercise, and wearing comfortable shoes."

Professor Park Young-hwan, Department of Orthopedics, Korea University Guro Hospital. [Photo by Korea University Guro Hospital]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.