Plantar Fasciitis

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that can cause severe stabbing pain on your heel and the side of your foot. It develops from inflammation of the thick band of tissue on your heel, known as the plantar fascia.

How You Can Develop Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis can develop from several causes, including:

• Overpronating, or rolling your feet when you walk
• Having flat feet, being older, or being overweight
• Standing or walking on hard surfaces for long periods
• Running, jogging, or performing other activities causing a high degree of foot stress

Signs and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain is the most common symptom of plantar fasciitis. The pain is a stabbing, aching feeling on your feet, arch, or the side of your foot. Plantar fasciitis pain can have other characteristics too. Pain can:

• Be worse in the morning when you first wake up
• Increase when you stand from a seated position
• Increase after exercising or being active

Home Treatments for Mild Plantar Fasciitis Pain

If you have mild plantar fasciitis pain, you may be able to get some relief if you stretch your arches daily, take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication, and make sure to wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Avoid going barefoot because this doesn’t give your feet enough support.

When To Visit Your Podiatrist

You should see your podiatrist for plantar fasciitis if your pain is getting worse and is affecting your mobility, or if home remedies don’t provide relief.

How Your Podiatrist Can Treat Plantar Fasciitis

Your podiatrist has several treatment options for plantar fasciitis and may recommend physical therapy, custom orthotics, prescription anti-inflammatory medication, and cortisone injections around your heel. In extreme cases, surgery may be recommended.

Want To Know More About Plantar Fasciitis?

To find out more about the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment of plantar fasciitis, call Dr. Matthew Ward and Dr. Christian Haight at Marietta Podiatry Group in Marietta, GA. You can reach them in the office by calling (770) 422-9856, so call today.