WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
When your plantar fascia ligament becomes inflamed, it can cause the stabbing heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
The plantar fascia ligament runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. This thick band of tissue absorbs shock and supports your arch.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PLANTAR-FASCIITIS?
While the cause of plantar fasciitis is sometimes unclear, strains or repetitive activities often cause it. Factors that can increase your chances of developing plantar fasciitis include:
Exercises that stress your feet like running
Activities with jumping and hard landings
Poor or inadequate footwear
Being overweight
Standing for long hours on hard surfaces
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
When the plantar fascia ligament is inflamed, you can experience pain anywhere on the sole, but especially the heel. Additional symptoms of plantar fasciitis include the following:
Tenderness
Stiffness
Swelling
Warmth in the ligament
Plantar fasciitis symptoms might be worse after standing or sitting for long periods and when you wake up in the morning. These symptoms can make standing or walking difficult and painful.
When untreated, plantar fasciitis can lead to other foot problems like heel spurs.
HOW IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS DIAGNOSED AND TREATED?
You usually receive a plantar fasciitis diagnosis during a physical examination. During this appointment, Dr. Galoyan examines your feet and looks for areas of tenderness, especially in your arch and heel.
If needed, digital X-ray imaging is available on-site. Digital imaging of the feet can rule out other painful foot conditions, such as fractures and heel spurs.
Depending on the severity of your plantar fasciitis, Dr. Galoyan might recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
Splinting: Specially designed splints reduce pain and improve mobility.
Biomechanical correction: Realignment of the plantar fascia with orthotics or supports.
Custom temporary insert: Same-day insert fabrication to support the plantar fascia. Steroid injections: Relieve pain and inflammation. Call Metropolitan Podiatry for more information, or schedule an appointment online to learn about treatment options to relieve your plantar fasciitis.