Plantar fasciitis occurs when your plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that stretches from your heel to your toes, becomes inflamed. That often occurs when you strain the ligament, which can happen if you:
- Roll your feet inward when you walk
- Have high arches or flat feet
- Stand on hard surfaces for long periods of time
Risk factors for developing plantar fasciitis include spending a lot of time on your feet. It’s a common condition for runners, athletes, and soldiers. If you carry extra weight, you also have an increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis, as do those who wear unsupportive shoes.
The most recognizable sign of plantar fasciitis is the stabbing pain that occurs with your first steps of the morning. Although the pain often lessens as you move around, it can flare up after standing or sitting for extended periods of time.
How Is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?
In mild cases of plantar fasciitis, your podiatrist may recommend at-home treatments, such as resting your foot and icing it when it hurts. They may suggest daily stretches to help lengthen and loosen your plantar fascia.
If plantar fasciitis pain starts to interfere with your daily function or your condition doesn’t improve with these conservative treatments, the team at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists may recommend:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Night splints
- Custom orthotics and arch supports
- Physical therapy
- Shockwave therapy
- Regenerative stem cell therapy
- Steroid injections
How to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis
Beyond treating your plantar fasciitis, your podiatrist may counsel you on ways to prevent it from recurring in the future. They may discuss the type of shoes you wear and suggest more supportive ones, especially if you often wear high heels or worn-out sneakers.
If you run or jog, your doctor may suggest that you switch to a low-impact activity. If you’re overweight, they may talk to you about weight loss options to minimize the stress on your feet and plantar fascia. Regularly stretching your arches, Achilles tendon, and calves can also reduce your risk of plantar fasciitis.
Don’t let plantar fasciitis keep you from doing the things you love. Contact Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists today.