Plantar fasciitis makes walking across the room or parking lot a painful experience. If heel pain keeps you from doing the things you need to do, a visit to your Denver, CO, podiatrists, Drs. Florin Costache and Lorry Melnick, can help.
How Plantar Fasciitis Causes Pain
Your heel pain is caused by inflammation in the plantar fascia, a tough band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. The fascia connects your toes to your heels and can become inflamed due to tiny tears that occur as a result of stress.
If you have plantar fasciitis, you may experience sharp, stabbing pains in your heel first thing in the morning or when walking after sitting for a while. Pain may also increase after exercising.
Plantar fasciitis most often occurs in people who are between 40 and 60. Other risk factors may include:
- Obesity
- Standing for hours
- Wearing unsupportive shoes
- Flat feet
- High arches
- Tight calf muscles
- Running for exercise
What You Can Do About Your Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
A few home care strategies can help you manage your pain, including rest, over-the-counter inflammatories, and ice packs. Exercises that gently stretch your foot and your calf muscles may also decrease your pain.
If your pain is severe or interferes with your daily activities, it's time to make an appointment with your Denver foot doctor. If you're diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, your podiatrist may recommend:
- Night Splints: Worn on your feet while you sleep, night splints reduce stiffness by stretching the fascia.
- Orthotics: Heel cups added to your shoes can reduce pain and absorb shock.
- Physical Therapy: During physical therapy, you'll learn exercises that strengthen the muscles in your feet and calves, stretch your plantar fascia, and improve ankle flexibility.
- Corticosteroid Injections: When over-the-counter pain medication isn't effective, a corticosteroid injection may offer some relief.
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT may be an option if other treatments aren't successful. During the therapy, a handheld device is used to apply low-energy shockwaves to foot. The shockwaves promote healing and improve blood flow.
- Surgery: Surgery to release the tension in the plantar fascia may be needed if your condition doesn't improve. Most people never need surgery.
Do you have heel pain due to plantar fasciitis? Call Cherry Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic in Denver, CO, by dialing (303) 355-1695.
