Plantar Fasciitis – What a Pain in the Foot!

Do you suspect that your heel pain is being caused by plantar fasciitis? Most of our patients have done some research and believe that the cause of their heel pain is plantar fasciitis. The majority of the time, they are correct.

The Most Common Cause of Heel Pain – Plantar Fasciitis

As an experienced Wayne, New Jersey podiatrist, I have seen thousands of cases of heel pain. The vast majority of the time, this heel pain is caused by a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Many people have heard this term, but don’t know exactly what it is or how to stop their pain.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. This tissue, the plantar fascia, connects the heel bone to the toes, creating the arch of the foot. The plantar fascia is crucial to maintaining a proper gait. Any inflammation in this sensitive area of the foot can cause tightness and pain.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis center around stiffness and/or pain in the bottom of the heel. Pain associated with plantar fasciitis can be either dull or sharp and can extend from the heel into the bottom of the foot. The foot may redden, swell or be tender to the touch. The pain caused by the condition generally worsens when:

• Taking your first steps of the morning
• Walking after extended sitting or standing
• Climbing stairs
• Recovering from intense exercise, such as running

Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis

While anybody can suffer from plantar fasciitis, there are some who are at higher risk of developing the condition. Those at high risk for plantar fasciitis include people who:

• Have either flat feet or high arches
• Experience a sudden weight gain
• Are prone to obesity
• Participate in distance running
• Run over uneven terrain and/or up and down hills
• Tend to have tight Achilles tendons
• Wear shoes without proper arch support

Curing and Managing Plantar Fasciitis

Fortunately, an experienced New Jersey podiatrist is almost always able to successfully treat even the most extreme cases of plantar fasciitis. Treatment options for those seeking relief from the condition include:

• The use of pain and anti-inflammatory medications such as Tylenol, Advil or Motrin
• Exercises designed to stretch the heel
• Rest
• Strapping
• Wearing shoes with proper support
• Icing the heel and/or foot
• The use of night splints
• Wearing an Air Heel
• Steroid shots or injections
• Wearing custom made orthotics (shoe inserts)

At Wayne Foot & Ankle, we hope to both inform you and put an end to your pain. We care about you and aim to relieve your pain once and for all. Contact Wayne podiatrist, Dr. Bruce Calligaro, at 1.973.595.8900 today.