What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common overuse injury. It occurs when your plantar fascia –– a band of thick, fibrous tissue that runs from your toes to your heels –– develops small tears as a result of wear-and-tear.
Over time, these tears become inflamed, causing a sharp, shooting pain in your heel that extends to the rest of your foot.
Anyone can develop plantar fasciitis, but it’s most common in athletes, especially runners. If you regularly suffer from heel pain and at-home treatments don’t provide relief, contact the team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include stabbing pain at the base of your heel and foot pain in the morning after waking up. If you have plantar fasciitis, you might also notice that your pain worsens after standing for long periods or following exercise.
Who is at risk of plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common problem that affects millions of people, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
- Being between the ages of 40-60
- Underlying foot problems, like high arches or flatfeet
- Being overweight
- Exercises like running, dancing, or aerobics
You’re also more likely to experience plantar fasciitis if you work a physically demanding job that requires you to stay on your feet. This is particularly true if you work construction or in a factory.
How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?
To diagnose plantar fasciitis, the team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, reviews your health history, asks about your symptoms, and physically examines your foot. During the exam, they check for areas of tenderness and have you walk around the exam room.
If the team suspects a different underlying problem, they might recommend diagnostic imaging like X-rays or an MRI. These measures provide detailed pictures of the bones, joints, and soft tissues in your feet.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
Treatment of plantar fasciitis depends on the severity of your symptoms and their intensity. Whenever possible, the team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, recommends conservative, non-invasive measures like:
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Physical therapy
- Night splints
- Custom orthotics
If your pain persists or worsens, you might benefit from corticosteroid injections, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), ultrasonic tissue repair, or in rare instances, surgery.
To receive high-quality care for plantar fasciitis, partner with the team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA. Book online to schedule an appointment or call the nearest office today.
