Looking for relief from the painful effects of plantar fasciitis? The team at Hurber & Thurber Podiatric Medicine and Foot Surgery in Horseheads, Waverly, and Elmira, NY is dedicated to finding the best treatment for your needs.
Guide to Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Many things can cause foot and heel pain, but plantar fasciitis is one of the most common. In the guide below, the team at Thurber & Thurber Podiatric Medicine & Foot Surgery of Horseheads, Waverly, and Elmira, NY explain what this condition is, what causes it, its symptoms, and more.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis, and What Causes It?
Among the various components of the human foot is a thick band of connective tissue called the plantar fascia. It runs along the bottom of the feet, from the toes to the heels.
Often, this band of tissue develops tears and becomes inflamed due to overuse, but how that overuse occurs can vary greatly. The following are some of the most common causes:
- Working on your feet all-day
- Not stretching or warming up before exercising
- Wearing shoes that don’t properly support your arches
- Walking on hard surfaces repetitively
- Physical activity, especially running
- Gaining weight quickly
Factors such as these place too much stress on the tissue, which causes damage.
How Do I Know If I Have It?
Some of the most common symptoms include sharp, shooting pain in the arches and the heels. You might also experience swelling, stiffness, and tightness in the Achilles tendon.
For most people, the pain is at its worst when they first stand up in the morning or after sitting for a while. Other people feel a constant, dull ache.
How Is It Treated?
When the plantar fascia is damaged, conservative methods are typically the first treatment approach. These methods include:
- Using OTC anti-inflammatories
- Changing footwear to ensure proper support
- Foot Orthotics with mechanical control for customized support
- Targeted stretches and massages
- Night Splints
- Immobilization devices, such as walking boots
Techniques such as EPAT or Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology are also available. EPAT utilizes the power of shock waves to stimulate healing in the soft tissues.
When conservative methods and therapy techniques do not provide the desired results, surgery may be recommended for relief. Your podiatrist will work with you to determine the best course of action.
Find relief from your plantar fasciitis pain by visiting our team at Thurber & Thurber Podiatric Medicine & Foot Surgery in Horseheads, Waverly, and Elmira, NY. You can schedule an appointment at our Horseheads office at (607) 739-8318, our Waverly office at (607) 565-8128, or our Elmira office at (607) 734-4582.