Does the bottom of your foot hurt when you stand, especially first thing in the morning? Is the pain on the inside of your foot, where your heel and arch meet? Does the pain subside, but then come right back with prolonged movement or rest?
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may be suffering from Plantar Fasciitis.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The Plantar Fascia runs along the bottom of your foot, from the balls of your feet all the way to your heel. It is a band, much like a ligament, whose job is to raise the arch of your foot when it lifts off the ground. If the plantar fascia becomes strained, this band can swell and fray, causing plantar fasciitis.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is typically caused by poor foot movement or mechanics. The foot either flattens too much, or too little. If the foot flattens too much, then the plantar fascia will become over stretched and swell; too little, and the plantar fascia will strain and ache from being too tightly pulled.
What Can My Podiatrist Do for my Plantar Fasciitis?
Your podiatrist will likely want to understand more about your medical history, as well as take a physical exam. X-rays may also be taken, as your podiatrist will want to understand as much as possible about your current condition, and the symptoms you describe.
Your podiatrist’s first goal will be to reduce your symptoms and help to mitigate pain. Then they will want to work on correcting the root cause of your problem.
Anti-inflammatories may be taken, to help reduce mild foot pain, your podiatrist may also recommend physical therapy and/or prescription pills and injections to help reduce moderate to severe pain.
When it comes to correcting your foot mechanics, your podiatrist will look to control the movement of your foot, and thus stop the problem at the root. This can be accomplished through the use of orthoses, and should result in your symptoms going away. Surgery may be considered if alternative types of treatment are not successful in mitigating your pain.
What Can I Do To Help my Plantar Fasciitis?
It is near impossible to stay off your feet all day, especially in this fast paced world we live in today. You will want to be sure to reduce overuse of your foot. Every time your foot hits the ground, your plantar fascia is stretched. Be sure to avoid running on hard ground or uneven ground, and be sure to wear shoes that support your arch.
Most important: you will want to follow the plan prescribed by your podiatrist.
For more information about Plantar Fasciitis, please be sure to visit our Frequently Asked Questions section of our website, and search for Plantar Fasciitis.
If you are ready to schedule an appointment with Dr. Betman, please call any of our 3 convenient locations or schedule your appointment online today.