Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis Specialists
Plantar Fasciitis Q & A
What causes plantar fasciitis?
The long band of connective tissue that supports the arch of your foot is known as your plantar fascia. Not only does your plantar fascia connect your toes to your heel bone, it also acts as a shock absorber every time you take a step.
Because your plantar fascia is subject to overuse and trauma, it can easily become inflamed, in a condition known as plantar fasciitis. While it isn’t clear why some men and women develop plantar fasciitis, several of the likely risk factors include:
- Older age
- Flat feet
- Excess body weight
- Long-distance running
You’re also more likely to feel severe heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis if you work in a job that keeps you on your feet for hours at a time, or if you participate in an activity that involves jumping, dancing, or aerobics.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
The experts at Eastside Podiatry understand how debilitating plantar fasciitis pain can be, so they work to find the best solution for your specific needs. Your plantar fasciitis treatment could involve:
- Custom orthotic inserts
- Physical therapy
- Night splints
- Pain-relieving medications or injections
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
While less common, some plantar fasciitis treatment plans do involve surgery. Plantar fasciitis surgery involves detaching your plantar fascia from your heel bone to relieve stress and tension. Because this procedure could weaken the arch of your foot, it’s usually last resort.
Can plantar fasciitis be prevented?
You might not be able to prevent every plantar fasciitis flare-up, depending on the mechanics of your feet, but you can certainly make a few lifestyle changes to minimize your risk of future issues. Some of the best ways to prevent plantar fasciitis pain include:
- Stretching your arches and calf muscles daily
- Applying heat or ice after work or exercise
- Wearing supportive shoes or orthotics
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
Your dedicated practitioner at Eastside Podiatry takes the time to teach you how to minimize plantar fasciitis pain, so you can get back to doing the things you enjoy.
Book your plantar fasciitis evaluation at Eastside Podiatry by using the online scheduling tool or by calling the office.