If you've noticed heel pain upon waking up in the morning or standing after a long day of driving your car, you may be dealing with plantar 
fasciitis. If the pain worsens after climbing stairs or standing for a long period of time, it's even more likely that this is your problem. This is a common foot condition seen by Dr. Asia Lo, Dr. Manish Patel, and Dr. Samuel Mendicino, our podiatrists at the Foot and Ankle Institute of West Houston, TX. They've answered a few questions they hear frequently from their patients who have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis.
What is the plantar fascia?
In addition to bones and muscles, your body has stretchy bands of tissue, called ligaments and tendons, that connect these structures and facilitate movement. The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs across the arch of the foot, connecting the bone directly behind the toes to the heel and allowing you to stand, walk, and run properly.
What is plantar fasciitis?
The ligament known as the plantar fascia is made to take a lot of pressure, as it's used constantly. However, certain situations and conditions can cause it to become swollen, inflamed, and painful. If you have anatomical issues in your foot such as high arches, flat feet or a pronated gait, it can affect the way your plantar fascia functions. Jobs that require a lot of standing or walking can also send you to your West Houston podiatrist with heel pain. Being overweight or beginning a new running or walking exercise routine too rapidly can also cause plantar fasciitis.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
The good news is that plantar fasciitis is often treated with conservative methods such as at-home exercises, reducing activity, and wearing shoe inserts or finding a more supportive pair of shoes. However, if your heel pain continues, your West Houston foot and ankle specialist may suggest other treatments such as steroid injections or surgery.
You don't have to live with heel pain. Contact the Foot and Ankle Institute in West Houston, TX to make an appointment with one of our skilled podiatrists today!