What is Plantar Fasciitis?
What is Plantar Fasciitis, and How Can it be Treated?
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain — it’s an inflammation of the thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. The condition commonly affects runners, overweight people, and those who wear non-supportive shoes on hard surfaces for long periods of time. While anyone can get plantar fasciitis, it’s most common among middle-aged people. Some of the symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel
- Foot stiffness
- Swelling around the heel
- Tightness in the Achilles tendon
Here is a closer look at what causes this condition and how you can treat it effectively:
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
The primary cause of plantar fasciitis is overuse or repetitive strain injury. This means that doing too much running or standing on hard surfaces for extended periods can damage the fascia due to increased tension in the area. In addition, having tight calf muscles, weak foot arches, wearing improper footwear, being overweight, or having an unusual gait may contribute to developing plantar fasciitis.
Treatment Options For Plantar Fasciitis
If you think you may have plantar fasciitis, visit your doctor or physical therapist to develop a treatment plan tailored to you and your needs. Treatment options include stretching exercises, orthotics, ultrasound therapy, and steroid injections. Resting the affected area for several days is also important for managing symptoms; however, completely avoiding activities like running or sports may not always be feasible or realistic. In these cases, taking measures such as wearing supportive shoes with good cushioning and arch support while engaging in activities may help reduce symptoms while still allowing you to stay active.
Because everyone’s feet are different, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to treating plantar fasciitis; however, finding the right combination of treatments that work best for you can help manage your symptoms quickly and effectively so you can get back on your feet again soon!
FOR EXCEPTIONAL ORTHOPAEDIC CARE, CONTACT ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALTY GROUP IN CONNECTICUT!
It’s crucial to seek expert medical treatment if you struggle with problems or pain associated with your bones or joints. Give the professionals at Orthopaedic Specialty Group a call at (203) 337-2600, and let us know how we can help you! Don’t let that pain hold you back from living your life. Your health and safety are our top priority.