What causes plantar fasciitis?
With plantar fasciitis, your plantar fascia is regularly inflamed and sore. Your plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissues that stretches from your heel bones to your toes and supports your arches.
Even though your plantar fascia can stretch and absorb shock, with years of wear-and-tear, it can certainly become overly strained. Plantar fasciitis, which can progressively worsen, is often linked to:
- Overuse from training, like if you’re a distance runner
- Obesity and being overweight
- Flat feet or high arches
- Heel spurs
Your risk of developing plantar fasciitis further increases if you work in a field that requires you to stand or walk around all day — teachers, postal workers, and factory workers, among others — especially if you wear unsupportive shoes.
Do I need to see a podiatrist for plantar fasciitis?
You don’t have to manage plantar fasciitis flare-ups on your own, even if they seem minor or infrequent. At Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care, the compassionate podiatrists encourage you to have a plantar fasciitis evaluation if you experience:
- Heel or foot pain
- Tenderness or swelling
- Limited range of motion
- Difficulty bearing weight on your feet
- Pain that increases after periods of inactivity, such as sleeping
The expert podiatrists at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care perform a comprehensive exam and can even order in-office X-ray or ultrasound imaging to help confirm plantar fasciitis and rule out other conditions.
Which plantar fasciitis treatment do I need?
Once your podiatrist diagnoses you and talks with you about your symptoms, they design your treatment plan. Your plantar fasciitis treatment can include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)
- Custom orthotic inserts
- Physical therapy
- Regular icing
- Night splints
In severe cases, surgery may be needed to resolve plantar fasciitis. The highly skilled podiatrists at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care use minimally invasive surgical techniques to release your plantar fascia, remove heel spurs, or make any other essential repairs necessary to restore your quality of life.
Click on the online scheduler to book your plantar fasciitis evaluation at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care today. You can also call your most convenient location directly to schedule.
