Understanding the causes behind plantar fasciitis can help you treat this condition effectively.

If your heel is giving you severe pain when you first get out of bed in the morning, you could have plantar fasciitis. This injury happens when the fibrous band of tissue (the fascia) that runs between your heel bone and your toes becomes inflamed, usually from overuse. Dr. Mukesh Bhakta, your Gainesville, Virginia foot doctor at Prince William Foot & Ankle Center, has some more information about this common condition and how to deal with it.

Risk factors for plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis has been found to be more common in people who are female, overweight, or work at a job that necessitates walking or standing for long periods of time. Those whose arches are abnormally flat or high can also be at risk. Your Gainesville foot doctor Dr. Bhakta also sees plantar fasciitis develop in patients whose main method of exercise is running or walking.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis

Usually, the first symptom that sends people to their Gainesville foot doctor Dr. Bhakta is the presence of pain in the bottom of the heel upon getting up in the morning or after a long period of sitting down. The pain is typically described as a dull ache, sometimes bruise-like. If left untreated, the plantar fascia can tear, leading to a buildup of extra calcified tissue. This is known as a heel spur and can lead to further problems with your foot, leg, hip and back because it changes the way you walk.

Treatment of plantar fasciitis

Your Gainesville foot doctor Dr. Bhakta has a number of treatments available for plantar fasciitis. Resting and applying ice can help diminish pain and swelling, and wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes or a splint at night can give your foot the support it needs to heal. He also recommends various exercises designed to stretch out the plantar fascia. Most people improve within a month or two of treatment; steroidal injections and surgery are typically used when other more conservative methods fail to bring relief.

If you've been experiencing heel pain, call your Gainesville foot doctor's office today for an appointment. The podiatry staff at Prince William Foot & Ankle Center look forward to helping you regain your footing!