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What is plantar fasciitis? Sounds sort of strange, right? Plantar fasciitis is actually one of the most common reasons people go to an orthopaedic foot specialist. It is caused when the plantar fascia (the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes) becomes irritated or inflamed, usually from overuse or overstretching. If you have a history of foot arch problems (either flat feet or high arches) or a tight Achilles tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel), you may be likely to develop plantar fasciitis.
Norton Orthopaedic Care specialists recommend nonsurgical treatment for plantar fasciitis, since it is almost always successful. This type of treatment may include:
- Pain medication
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Heel stretch exercises
Plantar fasciitis treatment may also involve wearing a short leg cast (or plantar fasciitis shoe) to help relieve pressure on the heel and reduce arch pain. Fortunately, nearly all symptoms improve without surgery when given enough time. In rare cases, steroid injections or surgery might be needed.
To find an orthopaedic foot specialist,
call (502) 629-1234.
Learn more about plantar fasciitis below:
How do you get plantar fasciitis?
As mentioned previously, arch problems or a tight Achilles tendon can cause plantar fasciitis. Additionally, obesity and sudden weight gain can be contributing factors for developing this condition.
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis
The most common symptom is pain in the foot, particularly the bottom of the heel, which may be worse in the morning but improves (turning into a dull ache) throughout the day.
Preventing plantar fasciitis
The best way to prevent plantar fasciitis is to maintain flexibility of the ankle, especially around the Achilles tendon and surrounding calf muscles. |
