Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain. Here’s what to do about it.
Whether you have just started to experience heel pain or this is something that you’ve been struggling with for months, this is a problem you shouldn’t ignore. Here at the Sparta, NJ, office of podiatrist Dr. Philip Caswell, we can provide you with the care you need to get your heel pain under control.
When should you turn to a podiatrist?
In most instances, plantar fasciitis will go away by itself as long as you rest and allow your foot time to heal. It can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to get rid of heel pain. Of course, it’s time to call our Sparta, NJ, foot doctors if:
- Your heel pain is severe
- Pain is accompanied by numbness, weakness, or tingling in the heel
- There is severe swelling of the heel
- You can’t walk on the affected foot
- You’ve never had heel pain before
How is heel pain treated?
First, we will want to determine the cause of your heel pain. Just because plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes does not mean that it is the only cause. This is one of the biggest reasons why you should see a professional. After all, you want to make sure that you are properly treating the problem. Some ways to ease your heel pain include,
- Icing the heel up to 15 minutes at a time 2-3 times a day
- Avoiding high-impact activities and resting your feet as often as possible
- Wearing supportive, properly fitted footwear
- Taking pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to temporarily alleviate pain and swelling
- Performing special therapeutic exercises for the feet (foot flexing and stretching can help alleviate plantar fasciitis pain)
- Avoiding uneven walking surfaces
Additionally, you should speak with your podiatrist about whether you could also benefit from receiving custom orthotics (shoe inserts). Custom orthotics can help to raise the heel and provide the arches of the feet with the proper support they need to take the pressure off any inflamed parts of your foot. Custom orthotics can be particularly helpful for those with chronic and recurring heel pain.
If plantar fasciitis becomes chronic, then your foot doctor may turn to other methods for treating your pain. This may include,
- Alternative medicine (e.g. chiropractic care)
- Ultrasound
- Shockwave therapy
- Steroid injections
Need relief? Give us a call
Whether you want to find out if custom orthotics could alleviate your heel pain or you want to find out what’s causing your pain in the first place, the team here at Family Foot & Ankle Care in Sparta, NJ, can help. Call (973) 300-9151 today to set up an appointment.