Do you have heel pain when you walk or run? You may have Plantar Fasciitis. This common foot condition is characterized by a stabbing pain in the heel, especially in the morning or after long periods of standing. It is caused by microscopic tears in the plantar fascia ligament, which facilitates movement and stability along the arch of your foot. In this blog post, we at Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Center will offer insight into treatment options for those at risk of developing Plantar Fasciitis.

Risk Factors

• Age: This condition is most common between the ages of 40 and 60.
• Foot Mechanics: Flat feet, high arches, or an abnormal walking pattern can put extra stress on the base of your foot.
• Weight: Excess weight increases the load on your feet and can contribute to plantar fasciitis.
• Activity Level: Both sudden increases in activity and long periods of standing or walking on hard surfaces can cause tearing in the ligament.
• Tight Calf Muscles: Tight calf muscles can limit ankle mobility and place additional strain on the plantar fascia.

Plantar Fasciitis: Available Treatment

Plantar fasciitis is treatable with a combination of self-care strategies and professional interventions:

• Rest and Activity Modification: Reduce activities that aggravate the pain. Consider switching to low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling.
• Stretching: Regularly stretching your calves and plantar fascia can improve flexibility and reduce stress on the ligament.
• Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts can provide added stability to the arch.
• Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to strengthen the muscles that support the plantar fascia.
• Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation. Consult with your podiatrist before taking any medication.
• Corticosteroid Injections: In especially painful cases, a podiatrist may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.

Although plantar fasciitis is common with many risk factors and groups, there is a wide range of treatment options that podiatrists commonly advise.

Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, and Dr. Cassandra Stache at Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Center are all here to help guide you every step of the way toward a pain-free life. Book an appointment with us today!