Plantar Fasciitis: Signs & Symptoms

If you experience occasional heel pain after a night out dancing in heels, a long hike, or standing for hours in dressy shoes, there shouldn't be cause for concern. But if your heel pain is persistent, intense, and keeping you from comfortably going about your day, you may have plantar fasciitis, a foot condition that likely warrants treatment or change in habits.

At Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists in Pennsauken, NJ, and Turnersville, NJ, treating plantar fasciitis is among our many offered services. We can have you up and about with a combination of at-home and in-office remedies.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Heel pain comes when the plantar fascia, a thick tissue connecting the toes to the heel bone, becomes inflamed or irritated. It can be caused or exacerbated by wearing shoes without proper support, high heeled or too narrow or small footwear, standing for long periods of time, or tight calf muscles. Other potential causes include having high arches, being overweight, or exercising in a way that puts extreme pressure on the foot, like running or jumping rope.

How do I know if I have plantar fasciitis?

If you are experiencing one or more of the following for an extended period of time, it's time to visit our Pennsauken, NJ, or Turnersville, NJ, office to examined for plantar fasciitis:

• Heel swelling or stiffness
• Pain prominent on the underside of the foot near or on the heel
• Pain that is more intense upon waking up
• Pain that intensifies with prolonged standing or holding on to heavy items

How can I treat my plantar fasciitis?

After examining your heel and foot, your podiatrist will make recommendations for either at home or in-office treatment or a combination. Possible treatments include:

• Wearing supportive, properly sized shoes without a high heel
• Using an insole or shoe insert for extra cushioning on the heel
• Opting for exercise that puts less pressure on the heel
• Stretching your arches frequently
• Taking an over the counter pain reliever as needed
• Using a foot splint while sleeping
• Cortisone injections

Only in severe cases might surgery be needed to remove the plantar fascia.

Call Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists in Pennsauken, NJ, at 856-488-5290 or our Turnersville, NJ, office at 856-875-8855 if you are suffering from plantar fasciitis.