One of the most common reasons people experience heel pain is due to plantar fasciitis, often a result of injuries or strains to the plantar fascia—the good news is, when you visit with our specialists at Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland in Olney, Silver Spring, Camp Springs, Kensington, Laurel and Maple Lawn, MD, you will receive effective treatment for your heel pain.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the ligament that connects the heel bone to the rest of the foot (i.e. the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed, damaged, or even torn. This orthopedic issue is so common since the plantar fascia protects the arch of your foot, and is at the frontlines absorbing the daily wear-and-tear that your feet endure.
When Should I Visit With A Specialist At Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland?
Aside from heel pain, plantar fasciitis can also induce swelling, tenderness, and stiffness—excluding you from maintaining your day-to-day routine or activities you enjoy the most.
If you're experiencing heel pain in Olney, Silver Spring, Camp Springs, Kensington, Laurel or Maple Lawn, MD, our team of podiatrists encourage you to considering the following warning signs of plantar fasciitis:
- immediate pain in your feet when taking your first steps out of bed—this is the most common warning sign of plantar fasciitis, as many people note that heel pain is typically worse in the morning.
- frequently on your feet—if you're an active runner or have a job that requires you to constantly be on your feet, you have a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Frequent weight and pressure are placed on our feet every day, and even more so with those who are highly active.
- irregular foot structure—for those with higher arches, the plantar fascia has to exert additional support. You can develop plantar fasciitis for additional foot problems, such as: having a tight achilles tendon or calf muscles, and if your foot rolls inward when walking or running.
- relentless pain at the bottom of your foot—this is a quick identifier for heel pain that develops into plantar fasciitis.
- carrying around extra weight—as previously stated, our feet bear a lot of pressure and tension throughout our daily lives, so if you're overweight or experience sudden weight gain, symptoms of plantar fasciitis can intensify quickly.
Don't Ignore the Warning Signs
Our team of podiatrists with Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland don't want their patients to suffer pain from plantar fasciitis. To alleviate your heel pain in Olney, Silver Spring, Camp Springs, Kensington, Laurel and Maple Lawn, MD, give one of our conveniently located offices a call today.
For our office in:
- Olney, MD: (301) 924-5044
- Silver Spring, MD: (301) 439-0300
- Camp Springs, MD: (301) 868-7670
- Kensington, MD: (301) 942-8110
- Laurel and Maple Lawn, MD: (301) 317-6800