If you feel sharp heel pain when stepping out of bed in the morning, but it decreases as you move around, you may have plantar fasciitis, and it may be in your best interest to visit our Keller podiatrist as soon as possible.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
This painful condition develops when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes, becomes inflamed. The pain from plantar fasciitis can become so severe it interferes with your daily activity and can worsen over time if not properly treated. It is often caused by overuse or prolonged standing.
When to See Our Keller Podiatrist for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Heel pain when taking your first steps in the morning is a common sign of plantar fasciitis. However, there are also other signs that can indicate you’re suffering from this condition. These include:
- Pain when standing for long periods of time
- Pain when walking up the stairs
- Pain that lessens with activity but worsens after rest
- Pain in one foot, not both
- Foot swelling around the heel or arch
- A limp when walking
It is important to have any type of foot or heel pain evaluated by a podiatrist, so a proper diagnosis can be made, and treatment can begin as soon as possible. If you wait to seek treatment, the condition can become chronic and more difficult to manage. In addition, if the pain is due to another problem other than plantar fasciitis and goes undiagnosed, it can lead to more serious complications.
To diagnose plantar fasciitis, our Keller podiatrist will review your medical history and examine your feet. During the exam, a podiatrist may apply pressure to the bottom and sides of your foot to determine your pain level. Imaging tests are not typically needed to make a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis, but if a podiatrist suspects another condition such as a stress fracture or heel spurs is causing your foot pain, they may be ordered to determine the cause. After our podiatrist rules out other causes of the pain, a diagnosis can be made and treatment options recommended based on your specific needs.
Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis
Options to treat plantar fasciitis may include the following conservative methods:
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Ice
- Custom orthotics
- Night splint
- Stretching exercises
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injection
The team at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists may also recommend regenerative stem cell therapy. This treatment consists of injecting stem cells into the area where you are experiencing pain. If conservative treatments do not provide relief, our podiatrist in Keller, TX, may recommend surgery to release the plantar fascia to reduce tension.
Those at a Higher Risk of Developing Plantar Fasciitis
- Those who are overweight
- Those who have tight calf muscles
- Those who exercise on hard surfaces
- Those who run a great deal
- Those who wear shoes that do not have adequate support
- Those who work at jobs that require prolonged standing
Prevention Tips
Since plantar fasciitis can return even after treatment, there are several things our podiatrist may recommend doing to prevent it from happening, including:
- Wear shoes that are supportive.
- Stretch your feet before exercising.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Use custom orthotics in your shoes to provide additional support.
- Avoid wearing shoes with high heels.
- Switch to a lower-impact activity.
- Contact your podiatrist at the first sign of a problem.
Contact Our Keller Podiatrist for a Foot Evaluation
If you’re experiencing pain in your feet or heels that is affecting your daily activities, contact our Keller podiatrist at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists for a consultation. We can discuss treatment options based on your specific needs. To request an appointment, contact our Grapevine or Keller office by filling out our convenient contact form or by calling our office at 817-481-4000.
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