Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot.
It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed or irritated. This condition is often characterized by sharp or stabbing pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest.
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In some cases, plantar fasciitis may improve with rest, ice, and stretching. However, persistent or severe cases may require medical intervention for relief. Book an appointment today to explore your treatment options.
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Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. Most people experience improvement within a few months with proper care.
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Yes, stretching exercises for the calves and plantar fascia can help improve flexibility and reduce pain. Our team at Sole Foot & Ankle will recommend specific exercises for you and provide detailed instructions.
Risk Factors: Several factors may increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis, including: age (common in adults between 40-60 years old), certain types of exercise or activities that put stress on the feet, abnormal foot mechanics (e.g., flat feet or high arches), obesity or sudden weight gain, occupations that require long periods of standing or walking
Diagnosis: Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed based on a physical examination, medical history, and sometimes imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans. Your podiatrist at Sole Foot & Ankle will assess your symptoms, perform a foot examination, and may order imaging studies to rule out other potential causes of heel pain.
Symptoms: Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include: heel pain (particularly in the morning or after long periods of standing), stiffness and discomfort in the bottom of the foot, tenderness along the arch or heel, pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
Prevention: To prevent plantar fasciitis or reduce the risk of recurrence, you can: maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the feet, wear supportive footwear with proper arch support, stretch the calves and plantar fascia regularly, avoid high-impact activities or excessive running on hard surfaces, gradually increase the intensity of exercise to prevent overuse injuries.
Treatment Options:
Treatment for plantar fasciitis may include: rest and activity modification, ice therapy to reduce inflammation, stretching exercises to improve flexibility, orthotic inserts or supportive footwear, night splints to stretch the plantar fascia while sleeping, physical therapy to strengthen the foot muscles and improve biomechanics, over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections for severe pain and inflammation, surgery in rare cases when conservative treatments have not been effective.
