Do you have plantar fasciitis? Separating fact from fiction means knowing this painful foot condition’s causes, risks, and management methods.
If you’re unfamiliar with the pain of plantar fasciitis, be grateful. Plantar fasciitis is caused by putting too much stress and pressure on your feet and, more specifically, the tendons and ligaments that keep them together. Unfortunately, many people think that plantar fasciitis is just something they have to live with. Today, we’ll take a quick look at the truths and myths surrounding this common podiatric condition.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the term we use to describe inflammation of the ligament-like structure of your foot that runs between your heel and your toes. It’s an extremely common condition that affects about 10% of the population.
Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
One of the most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis is heel pain. However, you might also experience Achilles tendon tightening, stiffness, heel swelling, and intermittent or constant pain in the arch of one or both feet. According to our podiatrist, the majority of people notice the most pain when standing up. Plantar fasciitis might also be a constant, dull ache or sharp, stabbing sensation. Movement usually relieves some discomfort.
Causes
Plantar fasciitis is most common in people with flat feet or high arches. It may also be triggered by rapid weight gain, obesity, sports, exercising, or wearing poorly-fitted shoes.
When To See A Podiatrist
Contact your healthcare provider any time you experience pain that doesn’t go away on its own within a week or two of self-treatment. All it takes is one phone call to schedule an office visit with our Dr. Malin in Columbia, TN.
Diagnosis And Treatment
Your podiatrist will diagnose plantar fasciitis after a thorough examination of your feet. They might also take x-rays, ultrasound, or order an MRI. Treatment depends on the severity of the plantar fasciitis, but it might include anti-inflammatories, rest, ice, supportive shoes, orthotics, or immobilization using a walking boot. Sometimes, your podiatrist may also recommend physical therapy or corticosteroid injections.
Plantar Fasciitis Surgery
In rare cases, plantar fasciitis might require surgery. In this case, Dr. Malin, who is a Board Certified foot and ankle surgeon, might perform one of two different types of surgery. This could include lengthening the calf muscle or a release of the plantar fascia.
Plantar Fasciitis Prevention
When you have plantar fasciitis, separating fact from fiction is crucial, especially if you want to prevent a recurrence. Most podiatrists recommend resting after intense activities, wearing supportive shoes, replacing your sneakers every six to nine months, and avoiding barefoot walking, particularly on hard surfaces. Keep in mind that plantar fasciitis will usually start to feel better as soon as you begin treating it. However, it can take a few months for it to heal completely.
You don’t have to live with the pain of plantar fasciitis, and our podiatrist can help. Our Columbia, TN, office sees people with plantar fasciitis and other foot and ankle conditions every day. We have the equipment, experience, and compassion to help you overcome the pain and will give you the tools you need to keep yourself healthy and pain-free moving forward.
Dr. Danielle Malin, DPM of Premier Foot & Ankle Care in Columbia, TN, specializes in treating foot and ankle pain, Achilles tendinitis, warts, nail disorders, hammertoe, bunions, and more. She is a skilled foot and ankle surgeon who offers personalized patient care through her full-service office. Dr. Malin is unique among local podiatrists in that she makes house calls so that she can best care for her diverse patient base. Premier Foot & Ankle Care care treats both adult and pediatric patients. A staff physician at Maury Regional Medical Center, Dr. Malin is Board Certified by the American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery.
