One of the more common reasons for heel pain is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia runs from the heel to the toes. Think of this like a ligament that stretches like a rubber band. If the plantar fascia is overused or stretched to a point, you may find it hard to walk, and this inflammation is called plantar fasciitis. If you have this condition or suddenly experience heel pain, you must see a Tucson podiatrist immediately. Here’s what you should know about the treatment.
Symptoms at a glance
The first sign of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel and arch of your foot. You may also have swelling and stiffness. You may experience pain after you wake up and take the first steps. Some people have a consistent ache or stabbing pain when there is pressure on the affected heel. The condition is commonly seen in people who stand for long hours. Exercising on a hard surface, not warming up before exercise, and using the wrong footwear are possible reasons for plantar fasciitis. People who have flat feet or are obese are susceptible to the condition.
Diagnosing plantar fasciitis
When you visit a podiatrist, they will usually do an oral exam and ask about your symptoms. They may also press the affected area to evaluate the extent of pain. While diagnostic tests are not usually required to diagnose plantar fasciitis, the podiatrist may suggest getting X-rays, an ultrasound, or an MRI to identify the cause.
Treatments at a glance
Usually, mild plantar fasciitis can be treated with pain medications. Medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation, but check with your podiatrist before considering any of them. Many patients, especially those who walk or stand for long hours, find relief with rest. Icing the affected area for 10 minutes can also help reduce the pain. If you are not wearing cushioned shoes, your podiatrist may recommend you get new ones. Flat shoes, including sandals, are bad for plantar fasciitis. If you don’t want to change your shoes, ask the podiatrist if you can consider orthotics, such as shoe inserts, which offer additional arc support.
Many podiatrists also suggest stretching and massaging for relief, and you may have to see a physical therapist. In more advanced cases, corticosteroids are usually injected into the plantar fascia. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT) are other treatments, which podiatrists recommend in certain cases.
Can you prevent plantar fasciitis?
Yes, there are a few things you can do to prevent pain related to plantar fasciitis. Firstly, ensure that you warm up and stretch before exercising. After intense activities, make sure to rest your feet. Check with your podiatrist if you are wearing the right shoes. Do not walk without shoes if you have hard surfaces at work or home. Patients who are obese may find relief from plantar fasciitis by shedding a few pounds.
Relief from plantar fasciitis symptoms
If your plantar fascia is already stretched and you are experiencing symptoms, you should see an immediate difference with treatment. However, for the affected area to heal completely, it can take a few weeks, depending on the extent of the damage.
Meeting a podiatrist
Don’t ignore pain associated with plantar fasciitis because the symptoms can only get worse without treatment. If your job requires you to stand for many hours, check whether you can take small breaks. When you see a podiatrist in Tucson, make sure to ask relevant questions about preventing pain and inflammation in the future. Follow your doctor’s advice with regard to medication and managing pain at home.
