What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis means that you have chronic inflammation of your plantar fascia, which is the durable connective band that extends from your heel bone to your forefoot.
Your plantar fascia is very strong and stretches and contracts just like a bow. But over time, it can wear down and deteriorate for a variety of reasons.
Why does plantar fasciitis occur?
Plantar fasciitis is a chronic, progressive condition, meaning it tends to worsen over time if you don’t get proper treatment early on. If you have plantar fasciitis, any of the following factors may be contributing to your condition:
- Heel spurs
- Injury or trauma
- Excessive pronation
- High arches or flat feet
- Being between the ages of 40-60
- Overuse — plantar fasciitis is common among distance runners
Plantar fasciitis is also more likely to occur if you’re overweight or obese. The added strain of excess body weight puts excessive pressure on your plantar fascia.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis leads to a wide variety of signs and symptoms that range in severity. The podiatrists at Parkchester Family Podiatry PC find that plantar fasciitis commonly leads to the following issues:
- Foot pain that’s worse when you take your first steps of the day
- Foot pain that occurs after long periods of standing or sitting
- Swelling and inflammation around your heel
You may also notice that you have foot soreness right after you exercise, although plantar fasciitis typically doesn’t bother you during exercise.
How does a podiatrist treat plantar fasciitis?
Your dedicated podiatrist at Parkchester Family Podiatry PC examines your feet and looks at in-office X-ray imaging if needed.
Once they diagnose your plantar fasciitis, they counsel you about which treatments you may need. Conservative plantar fasciitis solutions include:
- Resting your feet and taking more breaks throughout the day
- Wearing shoes with proper arch and heel support
- Applying ice to the affected area
- Performing daily foot stretches
- Wearing custom orthotics
- Getting cortisone injections
- Using athletic tape
For more severe cases of plantar fasciitis, your podiatrist may recommend a minimally invasive procedure from Tenex Health® that involves using ultrasonic energy to break down damaged tissues.
Surgically releasing your plantar fascia is an alternative type of procedure that provides lasting plantar fasciitis relief. Your podiatrist at Parkchester Family Podiatry PC counsels you about which type of surgery may be best for you.
Before suffering from plantar fasciitis another day, contact Parkchester Family Podiatry PC for a foot exam. Use the online scheduling tool or call the office today to schedule an appointment.
