Plantar Fasciitis


Do I have plantar fasciitis?

By far, the most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is sharp heel pain. Most patients say that the pain happens when getting out of bed in the morning, taking the first steps of the day.

Plantar fasciitis pain can also strike when you're standing up after an extended period of sitting. In most cases, the pain dissipates after walking and then returns the next time you stand up after resting. For athletes or sports enthusiasts, plantar fasciitis doesn’t strike during sports but afterward.

Many men and women who suffer from plantar fasciitis develop heel spurs. Usually, the plantar fasciitis is the root cause of both heel spurs and pain.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Abnormal foot structure often causes plantar fasciitis. If you have problems like flat feet or very high arches, you're more likely to develop plantar fasciitis.

Athletes may suffer from plantar fasciitis. Activities like running and jumping place extra stress on the plantar fascia, potentially causing the damage leading to plantar fasciitis.

Another common cause of plantar fasciitis is long periods of standing on hard surfaces, especially if you wear improper footwear. Many teachers get plantar fasciitis because they spend so much time on their feet.

Extra weight can increase the load that your plantar fascia has to bear, and this can contribute to plantar fasciitis.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

Treatment depends on your symptoms. Most cases of plantar fasciitis respond very well to noninvasive treatments including:

  • Special exercises to stretch the plantar fascia
  • Supportive footwear
  • Ice packs to reduce inflammation
  • Rest to allow the plantar fascia to heal

If the above treatments don't work, other options can include:

  • Custom orthotics to reduce stress on your heel
  • Night splint to keep the plantar fascia stretched while you sleep
  • Walking cast to relieve pressure and allow plantar fascia healing
  • Corticosteroid injections for inflammation and pain
  • Physical therapy to rehabilitate the plantar fascia and calf muscles

In rare cases, some patients may need surgery for plantar fasciitis, but most sufferers respond very well to the noninvasive measures above. Put an end to the heel pain today. Use the online scheduler or call to get plantar fasciitis help at the location nearest you now.

Schedule Appointment