Plantar Fasciitis
If you’re struggling with a constant, stabbing pain in your heel that makes walking uncomfortable or difficult, you may have plantar fasciitis. The doctors at Independence Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC in Blue Bell, Lansdale, Feasterville, and Perkasie, Pennsylvania offer effective treatments for alleviating heel pain and restoring your mobility. Schedule an appointment online now or call the office to learn more.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition involving inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick tissue band connecting your heel to your toes. This band is responsible for absorbing shocks in the foot’s arch. When too much tension affects the band, tearing and irritation cause inflammation in the tissue resulting in chronic pain near the heel.
Inflammation in the tissues causes stabbing pain in the heel and throughout the bottom of the foot. Pain worsens after prolonged standing or walking and may be the most apparent first thing in the morning.
Plantar Fasciitis Q&A
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis results when repetitive stress on the feet results in tears to the plantar fascia tissue. Runners and joggers commonly develop the condition due to constant stretching of the tissues and muscles in the feet.
Other factors that may damage the tissue include:
- Unsupportive shoes
- Flat feet
- Strenuous exercise
- Obesity
- Prolonged standing
Age may also play a part in developing plantar fasciitis. While anyone can develop the condition, plantar fasciitis most commonly affects people age 40-60.
How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?
The doctors at Independence Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC are highly-skilled in diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis. Your doctor reviews your medical history and performs a physical exam to determine where your pain is located.
He may recommend an imaging test, such as an MRI or X-ray, to confirm a diagnosis and rule out other medical conditions.
What are the treatment options for plantar fasciitis?
Your doctor creates an individual treatment plan for you. The plan may include:
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Ankle splints
- Custom orthotics
Your doctor may also suggest reducing physical activities that place stress on your heel, including wearing high-heeled shoes, jogging, and running.
Your doctor may also recommend steroid injections to reduce inflammation and thickness of the plantar fascia to alleviate chronic pain.
If other treatments aren’t effective at relieving your pain and discomfort, your doctor may recommend surgical options to detach the plantar fasciitis from the heel bone to eliminate pain and prevent additional tissue damage.
