Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects many Americans, especially those who are active or spend long hours on their feet. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people will experience this painful foot condition at some point in their lives.
However, despite its prevalence, there seems to be a lot of confusion and misinformation surrounding this condition. Let’s discuss plantar fasciitis, its causes and symptoms, and how a “foot and ankle doctor in Port Charlotte, FL” can help treat it.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of a thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.
It helps support your foot arch and absorbs shock when you walk. When this tissue gets inflamed, it can cause sharp, stabbing pain usually near the heel.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Several things can lead to plantar fasciitis:
Overuse
Athletes and people who stand or walk for long periods are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis due to repeated stress on their feet. Jobs that require prolonged standing, such as teachers, nurses, and factory workers, are common examples.
Foot Structure
People with flat feet (no arch) or very high arches may experience more tension in the plantar fascia. Proper weight distribution helps reduce this tension.
Age
As we age, our tissues lose elasticity, making them more susceptible to injury. Plantar fasciitis is most common in middle-aged adults but can affect younger people too.
Weight
Being overweight or obese adds more strain to the plantar fascia, increasing the risk of developing inflammation.
Improper Shoes
Wearing shoes that lack proper arch support or cushioning or have worn-out soles can fail to provide the necessary support your feet need.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is typically characterized by several common symptoms:
- Heel Pain: The most frequent symptom, this pain is often sharp and concentrated in the heel area.
- Pain in the Arch: Pain can also spread along the arch of the foot.
- Stiffness: Your foot may feel particularly stiff, especially in the morning.
- Swelling Around the Heel: Mild swelling may be observed around the affected heel.
- Tight Achilles Tendon: The tendon at the back of your heel may also feel tight or strained.
The pain associated with plantar fasciitis can vary depending on activity and time of day:
- Morning Pain: When you first stand up after sleeping or sitting for a long time, the pain can be intense but usually eases after a few minutes of walking.
- Dull, Constant Ache: Some people experience a persistent, dull ache in their heel or foot.
- Sharp or Stabbing Pain: Using your foot or putting pressure on the heel can cause sharp, stabbing pain.
- Temporary Relief with Movement: Exercising or moving might temporarily relieve the pain, but it often returns and worsens once you stop.
- Increased Pain After Rest: Pain tends to increase first thing in the morning or when standing up after sitting or resting.
Treatment Options
Luckily, there are several ways to treat plantar fasciitis. Here’s what you can do:
Home Treatment Tips for Plantar Fasciitis
Rest
Taking breaks and avoiding activities like running or standing for long periods can help prevent further injury. Consider using crutches if needed to limit weight-bearing activities temporarily.
Ice
Wrap ice in a cloth and apply it to the heel for 15-20 minutes. Do this several times daily to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
Stretching
Simple exercises like calf stretches, toe stretches, and towel stretches can ease tension in the plantar fascia. For example, use a towel to pull your toes towards you gently.
Supportive Shoes
Choose shoes with good arch support and cushioning. Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces.
Medical Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis
If home remedies don’t work, you might need to see a foot and ankle doctor. They can offer various treatments:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists will show you exercises to make your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia stronger and more flexible. They may also use stretching or massage techniques to help.
Medications
Medicines called NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and naproxen, can help make heel pain better and reduce swelling in the foot. If the pain is really bad, a foot and ankle doctor can give you stronger medicines to help with plantar fasciitis pain.
Steroid Injections
Sometimes, foot and ankle doctors might inject steroids to reduce plantar fasciitis inflammation and pain.
Orthotics
These are special shoe inserts that are made just for your feet. They give extra cushioning and support to your arches. You can also buy OTC inserts, or your foot and ankle doctor can make ones perfect for your feet.
Night Splints
The night splints keep your foot in a certain position while you sleep. They stretch your foot and leg muscles to make it hurt less in the morning.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery for plantar fasciitis might be necessary if other treatments don’t work. The surgery is called plantar fascia release in which the foot and ankle doctor cuts part of the tissue to reduce tension.
A foot and ankle doctor can perform plantar fascia release surgery through open or endoscopic surgery.
After plantar fasciitis surgery, you need to rest and not put too much weight on your foot. You can start doing physical activities slowly, but follow the advice of a foot and ankle doctor.
Foot and Ankle Doctor in Port Charlotte, FL
At Advanced Orthopedic Center, our exceptionally skilled foot and ankle doctors offer treatment for a comprehensive range of foot and ankle conditions. We understand the complexities of plantar fasciitis and offer a range of treatments, from physical therapy to surgery, tailored to your specific needs.
For more information or to schedule your consultation, contact us today at (941) 629-6262.
We look forward to seeing you!
