Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain in the U.S and one of the most frustrating. If you’ve ever experienced it, you’re not likely to forget – the stabbing pain in the heel of your foot can severely disrupt your life, leaving you without as much mobility as you had before it.
If you’re looking for a way to treat this painful ailment, stay tuned. We want to help you get back on your feet and moving like your old self again.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Simply put, Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of the band of tissue that stretches from your heel to your toes. It’s most commonly caused by the structure of the foot. If you have flat feet or exceptionally high arches, you may be more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. It can also be caused by wearing unsupportive footwear on very hard surfaces or for a very long time. You might think you can make that hike in flats or flip-flops, but there’s a reason comfortable shoes are a necessity for any extended period on your feet.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
The characteristic pain of plantar fasciitis occurs most often in the heel and the foot’s arch and is usually much worse when you wake up in the morning. It gets progressively worse across months as you strain the fascia, and you might also notice swelling in your heel.
This pain usually lessens with walking and movement because walking stretches out the inflamed plantar fascia, but too much activity can worsen the pain.
How do you treat plantar fasciitis?
Initial treatments can start at home, with remedies like these:
- Icing the foot for 20 minutes a day to reduce inflammation
- Over the counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen
- Supportive footwear
- Avoiding going barefoot
- Foot- stretching exercises suggested by your podiatrist
If, after all these, you’re still experiencing pain, then you might want to see your podiatrist for further measures, like orthotic devices that support arch problems, corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation, or even physical therapy.
In some situations, if the pain does not subside after several months, your podiatrist may suggest corrective surgery. If it comes to that, then your podiatrist will be able to help you develop a plan.
Have you ever experienced plantar fasciitis? It can disrupt your life and if left untreated, it can last months or even years. If you notice recurring pain in your heel or the arch of your foot, get in contact with your podiatrist. At Advanced Dermatology, we provide podiatric services as part of our slate of high-quality healthcare, and we’d love to work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.