What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. There is a thick piece of tissue that runs along the bottom of one’s foot that connects the heel bone to the toes, this is called the plantar fascia. When the plantar fascia gets inflamed it causes the discomfort known as plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis causes a stabbing sensation. It can occur in the morning and when standing up for extended periods of time.
Symptoms
- Stabbing pain at bottom of the foot or heel
- Sharp pain
- Limping
- Worsening pain after exercise
- Swelling
- Tender to the touch
Risk Factors
- Age – plantar fasciitis is most common in people between the ages of 40-60 years old
- Obesity
- Exercise – people who place a lot of stress on the heel such as runners and dancers may experience plantar fasciitis
- Work – people who work on their feet a lot such as construction workers, teachers, factory workers also place a lot of stress on the plantar fascia
When to See a Doctor
If you notice that your symptoms are getting worse and it’s getting hard to walk then you might want to consult with your doctor.
Once you make the appointment, the doctor will do a physical examination to determine whether you have plantar fasciitis or not.
Treatment
- Medication – pain relievers to relieve the inflammation
- Injection – for pain relief
- Icing – for 10 to 20 minutes per day to reduce the swelling/pain
- Physical Therapy
- Home stretches/exercises
- Night Splint – stretches arch and calf while you sleep
- Orthotics – arch supports to evenly distribute pressure from the foot
If you are having constant heel pain that isn’t resolving give our office a call at (301) 441-2655 so that we can schedule your next visit with your podiatrist.
