What is plantar fasciitis?

Do you have a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot? If so, you may be suffering from plantar fasciitis, an incredibly common foot condition your podiatrist at Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC in Turnersville sees all the time. Read on to learn more about this painful condition.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common and painful foot condition caused by injury or overuse to the plantar fascia, the thick band of ligaments that connects your toes to your heel bones.

What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?

The number one symptom of plantar fasciitis is a stabbing pain on the bottom of the foot or the heel. This pain is typically worst first thing in the morning or after long periods of sitting, and it typically subsides slightly as you go about your daily routine. The pain may also be worse when climbing stairs or after a period of intense physical activity.

Heel pain can be caused by a number of factors, however, so it is best to visit your podiatrist at Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC in Turnersville to find out if your heel pain is the result of plantar fasciitis for sure.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs as the result of an injury to or overuse of the plantar fascia. This can happen as the result of too much time spent on your feet, a sudden increase in activity or an injury during a sporting event.

Plantar fasciitis is most commonly seen in runners and in middle aged, active men, but it certainly is not limited to these groups. If you are overweight or on your feet a lot, you may be at a higher risk for plantar fasciitis. Similarly, if you wear shoes that don't offer proper support, you have arch problems or you have a tight Achilles tendon, you may also be at an increased risk.

How is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?

The good news is most cases of plantar fasciitis are treatable, though the healing process may take anywhere from a couple of months to a couple of years.

If you have plantar fasciitis, your podiatrist can recommend several treatment options, such as wearing shoes that offer more support, losing weight, switching sports, resting, applying ice and stretching your arches. Your podiatrist may also prescribe medication, physical therapy or orthotics. If none of these treatments work, your doctor may recommend steroid shots, shock wave therapy or surgery.

If you suspect you may have plantar fasciitis, don't attempt to simply deal with the pain. Call your podiatrist at Regional Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC in Turnersville to get the diagnosis and treatment plan you need today.