Plantar fasciitis is a common foot problem that affects a large amount of people in Georgia. Now that summer is approaching, you don’t want your heel pain to slow you down while walking around Marietta Square! Plantar fasciitis happens when the thick band of tissue (ligament) on the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed and causes pain in the arch of the foot.
Plantar usually presents as a pain in the heel or arch of the foot, that is usually prominent while taking the first few in the morning. The pain also is prominent after standing or walking. Plantar fasciitis can get to the point where it is painful to touch the heel or arch of your foot.
Rest, Ice, Elevation, Compression: Resting the affected foot, applying ice to the heel, elevating your foot, and applying compression to the heel pain can decrease swelling and foot pain.
Stretching and Exercise: Stretching the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia can help reduce tearing of the plantar fascia. Heel raises, towel curls, rolling a ball/bottle on the foot can help with foot pain as well.
Proper Shoe-gear and Custom Orthotics (shoe inserts): Wearing supportive footwear and using orthotic devices, such as arch supports or heel cups, can help reduce stress on the plantar fascia and promote healing.
Medications: Over-the-counter and prescription medications can also help reduce heel pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy for the Foot: Physical therapy may be recommended to help improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion in your foot. Dry needling, iontophoresis, phonophoresis, or other methods are sometimes used by physical therapists for plantar fasciitis pain.
Plantar Fasciitis Surgery: Surgery might be warranted if conservative treatment options have failed. There are endoscopic (minimally invasive) and open incision techniques that are available from our Podiatrists (foot doctors). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (EWST) and Topaz are options as well.
Preventing Plantar Fasciitis
To reduce the risk of developing plantar fasciitis, it is important to stretch, wear proper shoes, and wear correct orthotics (shoe inserts).
Please reach out to schedule an appointment with our Podiatrists to develop a plan that's tailored to your specific needs. With proper care and attention, you can start on the path to return to the activities you love!
