What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the official term for inflammation of the plantar fascia located on the soles of your feet. This area of your foot is made of tight, dense connective tissue and provides support to the arch of your foot. In many cases, plantar fasciitis only affects one foot though it’s possible to have symptoms on both feet.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Heel pain
- Sharp pain during your first steps after getting out of bed in the morning
- Sensation of tears or cuts in the soles of your feet
- Aching in the arches of your feet
- Increased pain after long periods of standing or once you stand up after sitting
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis develops from small tears in your plantar fascia. These small tears cause inflammation and pain. Different things can lead to overstretching of the plantar fascia, like:
- Certain types of exercise, like running, dancing, and jumping activities
- Standing on your feet for extended periods of time
- Being overweight or gaining weight suddenly
- Foot conditions, like flatfoot and high arches
Plantar fasciitis develops most often in adults from ages 40-60, though it can occur sooner or later.
How Can I Prevent Plantar Fasciitis?
Family Foot & Ankle Physicians provides specific instructions for you to prevent plantar fasciitis or recover from it once you receive a diagnosis. In most cases, wearing supportive, comfortable footwear and stretching can help prevent plantar fasciitis from developing. Stretches that focus on your feet and calves are the most important to reduce stress on your plantar fascia. Maintaining a healthy weight and sticking to a regular exercise routine can also help keep your muscles and joints healthy without putting excess pressure on your feet.
How is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?
Treatment for plantar fasciitis focuses on reducing inflammation and allowing the small tears in your plantar fascia to heal. Your provider can recommend:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Orthotics
- Athletic taping, night splints, and braces
For severe cases, your podiatrist offers injections, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, the Tenex procedure, and surgery to relieve your pain. Begin healing your plantar fasciitis now by calling Family Foot & Ankle Physicians or scheduling a visit online.
Family Foot & Ankle Physicians has a primary location in Greenville, servicing cities such as Greenville, Farmville, Ahoskie, Kinston, Winterville, Tarboro, New Bern, Edenton, Washington, Rocky Mount, with patients coming from throughout eastern North Carolina and beyond. To request your appointment, call our Greenville office today, talk to your doctor about a referral or use the online booking tool to schedule your visit.