What is plantar fasciitis In Richmond, VA?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue that stretches from your heel to the ball of your foot. The plantar fascia supports your foot's arch.
The plantar fascia can withstand a high amount of stress, but too much pressure can cause the tissues to tear. Inflammation is your body's natural response to injury, which results in plantar fasciitis.
Many people with plantar fasciitis also have heel spurs, but these bony protrusions are not the cause of plantar fasciitis pain.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
The most common plantar fasciitis symptom involves stabbing foot pain felt near your heel. Usually, the pain is more severe with the first few steps you take in the morning, although you may feel it after long periods of sitting or standing. Heel pain from plantar fasciitis is typically worse after exercise, not during it.
Who is at risk for plantar fasciitis?
Most of the time, plantar fasciitis occurs without a specific, identifiable cause. However, many factors can increase your chances of getting this condition, such as:
- Having tight calf muscles
- Having very high arches or flat foot
- Activities that put a lot of stress on your heel, such as running
- Jobs that keep you on your feet like teaching and factory work
- A recent increase in your activity level
Carrying excess body weight can also put stress on your plantar fascia and make you more likely to get plantar fasciitis.
How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?
First, the team at New Age Foot & Ankle Surgery asks you to describe your symptoms, including when the pain started and whether anything makes it worse or better. They carefully examine your foot, checking for tenderness and pain in the plantar fascia.
They may also take X-rays to check for heel spurs and rule out other conditions, such as fractures and arthritis.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
The team at New Age Foot & Ankle Surgery creates an individualized treatment plan for your particular needs. More than 90% of plantar fasciitis cases improve within 10 months of conservative treatment methods, such as:
- Physical therapy
- Stretching exercises
- Activity modification
- Icing the foot
- Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen
- Cortisone injections
- Foot orthotics
- Night splints
- MLS Laser Therapy
- Tenex
If your symptoms continue after 12 months of aggressive nonsurgical treatment, your podiatrist may recommend surgery to release pressure on the plantar fascia.
