Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain that affects many people globally, causing them to seek help. This condition involves the inflammation of a thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia that runs from the heel bone to the toes. Here is more on plantar fasciitis and how a foot doctor can treat it:
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot and helps to absorb shock when walking. Plantar fasciitis arises when this ligament suffers from inflammation after overuse. Several potential sources of strain on the plantar fascia exist. Overuse is caused foot movements place excessive pressure on the heel and the linking tissue. Acitivies that cause overuse include running, dancing, and aerobics among others.
Flat feet, high arches, and an improper walking stance cause one’s weight to be unevenly distributed on the feet when standing, often resulting in extra stress on the plantar fascia. Obesity is another cause of plantar fasciitis as the excess weight places pressure on the tissue.
Plantar fasciitis often targets people between 40 and 60 years of age. Jobs that require an individual to walk or remain on their feet on hard surfaces throughout the day increase the likelihood of getting plantar fasciitis. A certified foot doctor can help to properly care for this tissue.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The most common first symptom is sudden pain that occurs on the sole of the foot, usually near the heel. It is often felt first thing in the morning after standing out of bed or when getting up after sitting in a chair for a long time. The pain will sometimes subside after a while, but often recurrs when you go on with your daily routine or after a particular exercise.
Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis treatment begins with diagnosing the source of the pain. Foot doctors assess the patient through physical examination and will often ask about their medical history. They will examine for foot tenderness and may order an X-ray or MRI to confirm that there isn’t a fracture or nerve issues.
Treatment Methods for Plantar Fasciitis
There are many ways that a professional will help you handle the injury. Here are some of the common methods of healing foot doctors use:
1. Rest and Activity Modification: Strenuous activities that lead to plantar fasciitis should be avoided or executed differently.
2. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Specific exercises will help stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, strengthening the lower leg muscles. This helps stabilize the ankle and distribute body weight evenly.
3. Physical Therapy: A Physical Therapist can recommend an exercise regime that will help the patient. They also use massages and contrast baths to reduce inflammation.
4. Orthotic Devices: Forefoot pain is also relieved by custom-made orthotic devices or over-the-counter orthotic inserts, which help to spread the pressure across the bottom of the foot.
5. Steroid Injections: Corticosteroids offer a temporary solution through injection to help decrease inflammation during severe pain.
6. Surgery: This method is a last resort and usually only used if the pain persists for over 6-12 months.
Prevention includes maintaining a healthy weight and wearing shoes when walking on hard-surfaced areas. A person should frequently stretch the Achilles tendon, calf muscles, and plantar fascia.
Call a Reputable Foot Doctor
Plantar fasciitis can be a chronic condition, and many people diagnosed with it may find the pain unbearable. With the correct diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan, the pain is able to be managed. Foot doctors can employ several techniques to address plantar fasciitis according to their patients’ needs.
A professional can help manage the symptoms by taking the required amount of rest, exercising, using orthotic devices, and using prevention therapies. These activities can
also prevent reoccurrence and improve foot health. Visit a qualified foot doctor today to help you treat your plantar fasciitis.