Plantar fasciitis (PF) can cause excruciating pain in your foot that negatively impacts your ability to function in everyday life, let alone participate in exercise or sports. The plantar fascia consists of a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the sole of your foot. This tissue can become inflamed, causing PF, and make you miserable. Our skilled podiatrists from Thurber and Thurber Podiatric Medicine & Foot Surgery are very experienced at treating plantar fasciitis pain in Horseheads, Waverly, Elmira, NY.
What Are the Symptoms of PF?
The inflammation of the plantar fascia can cause a variety of symptoms. An accurate diagnosis by our team in Horseheads, Waverly, Elmira, NY of plantar fasciitis is critical in choosing the best treatment strategy. A correct diagnosis is needed before treatment can be successful. Some signs that you may have plantar fasciitis are:- Heel pain
- Extreme pain when taking the first step out of bed in the morning (hallmark sign)
- Pain in your heel or foot when you stand up and walk after resting for a while
- Pain in your foot after activities
- A painful and tight Achilles tendon
- Foot or heel pain that lasts for several months
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
The most common scenario that leads to PF is overuse. This means that excessive strain is placed on the foot, consisting of greater loads than the plantar fascia can withstand and provide support for. The overuse can also result from a smaller amount of stress placed on the foot for long periods. But there can be other causes regarding the mechanics of the foot.The main function of the plantar fascia is to provide support to the arch of the foot, so flat feet often lead to PF. Some other causes and risk factors are:
- An unexpected and sudden increase in activity levels
- Repetitive high-impact activity
- Frequently walking or running on hard surfaces
- Footwear that does not provide adequate support
- Tight calf muscles
- Obesity
- Abnormally high arches of your feet
What Are the Treatment Options?
Successful treatment revolves around controlling the foot motion which is placing strain on the plantar fascia. Other options such as steroid injections and physical therapy can be helpful, however are rarely effective on their own.Treatments while weight bearing:
- Heat molded or custom molded orthotics
- Tape
- Buying more supportive footwear
- Wearing a splint when sleeping keeps your foot and calf and foot in a stretched position throughout the night and will decrease the pain upon your first step out of bed in the morning.