Plantar fasciitis - heel pain – is one of the most common foot issues that we see in our practice. People who have this foot condition say that there is a constant stabbing feeling and find it painful to walk.  It affects up to 3 million people a year and can affect 10 percent of people during their lifetime.  Having this foot condition properly diagnosed is important to provide the correct treatment options.

WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS:

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the band of tissue of the thick fibrous chord on the bottom of the foot known as Plantar Fascia.  This can occur after the fascia has been irritated by overuse or injury which leads to inflammation.

HOW DID I GET PLANTAR FASCIITIS?  

The most common cause of plantar fasciitis is related to a faulty structure of the foot.  People who have arch problems, whether overly flat feet or high-arched feet, are more prone to plantar fasciitis.  Wearing non supportive shoes and working on a hard, flat surface puts strain on the plantar fascial and can also lead to plantar fasciitis.  Tight calf muscles, obesity and even overuse when it comes to exercise are a few other causes.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

Some of the signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis are listed below:

• Pain on the bottom of the heel
• Pain in the arch of the foot
• Pain is worse in the morning especially after taking your first steps
• Pain that develops for months
• Swelling at the bottom of your heel

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS

After your appointment with a Podiatrist and depending how long you have been affected with plantar fasciitis, will determine what treatment options are available.    Stretching exercises, putting an ice pack on your heel during the day, taking oral anti-inflammatories, limiting your activities and even shoe modification is the first at home treatment options. 

If after several weeks you still have pain, a Podiatrist might recommend extra padding in your shoe, ordering custom orthotics, cortisone injections to relieve the pain, physical therapy or even wearing a night splint to help keep the plantar fascia stretched while sleeping.    In extreme cases, surgery will be considered. 

If you are experiencing Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain), please consider making an appointment with Dr. Margaret Withrow, or  Dr. Dylan Kaumaya at Roadrunner Foot and Ankle in Peoria, Arizona.  We want to help you diagnose this foot condition and get you on the road to recovery.