Treating Plantar Fasciitis

If you are experiencing stabbing, aching heel pain on the side of your foot, or running across your heel, you could have a very common condition known as plantar fasciitis. Your podiatrist can help you get relief from this painful foot condition.

How Your Podiatrist Can Help With Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue running across your heel. When this thick band of tissue becomes inflamed, you may experience signs and symptoms like these:

• Stabbing pain in the arch or heel of your foot
• Foot pain that increases after you get up in the morning
• Foot pain that increases after exercising
• Foot pain that gets worse when you rise from a seated position

You are at greater risk of developing plantar fasciitis if you:

• Carry excess weight
• Have flat feet
• Jog, run, or participate in activities with a high degree of foot stress
• Overpronate, or roll your feet when you walk
• Stand or walk on hard surfaces for long periods of time

For mild, occasional plantar fasciitis pain, you can try a few simple remedies, including:

• Doing arch stretches daily
• Placing ice on your heel several times daily
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory or pain medication
• Changing to more supportive, comfortable shoes
• Avoiding going barefoot

For moderate to severe plantar fasciitis pain that is affecting your mobility, you need to seek out the expertise of your podiatrist, who may recommend:

• Physical therapy to help maintain mobility and flexibility
• Custom-fit orthotics to help support your foot
• Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medication
• Cortisone injections around your heel

In severe cases which don’t respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be indicated to release the tendon associated with plantar fasciitis. Your podiatrist can discuss this option with you.

Want To Know More About Treating Plantar Fasciitis?

To find out more about the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment of plantar fasciitis, talk with an expert. Call our podiatrist today.