09 Aug What is Plantar Fasciitis

About Plantar Fasciitis

Living with pain and discomfort is disruptive to any walk of life. Pain and discomfort when standing, walking or running takes disruption to higher levels. In this post, we share some of the causes and culprits of heel pain – and offer our services to help regain a super quality of life.

We Heel Your Pain

If you’ve got a sudden, stabbing pain in your heel, it won’t just put a cramp in your step. You might be suffering from a common but serious condition if you experience the following symptoms:

• Heel pain that starts when you first move your feet in the morning
• Pain that goes away when you exercise, only to return when you’re at rest
• Difficulty standing on your toes
• Intense foot pain when running

Heel Pain Video Explanation

What’s Causing This?

The plantar fascia is the flat ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes. It rests under and supports, the arch of your foot.

Sometimes this ligament becomes strained because the arches are too low for it to comfortably reach. Your heel and toe stretch the fascia out further than it should go. This overstretching is what causes the intense pain you feel in your heel.

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel injury. You’re more likely to experience this condition if you:

• are an athlete, especially a runner
• work on your feet
• wear worn-out or poorly fitting shoes
• have flat or weak arches
• pronate your feet (turn them inward)

Preventing Plantar Pain

You’re wondering, “How do I keep this from happening to me?”

One of the main causes is wearing shoes that have no support, so first off, look at your footwear, especially you athletes out there. Your worn-out running or training shoes could be the culprit.  Don’t let your beat-up shoes take a toll on your arches or your ligaments. Replace them before they cause any serious problems.

Other steps you can take:

• Work up to intense exercise gradually.
• If you run, alternate with lower-impact workouts.
• Wear supportive shoes every day.
• If you stand on your feet at work, get a thick rubber mat to stand on

Home Care

Plantar Fasciitis can only be treated by a foot specialist. But you might be asking, “What can I do until I get to a qualified podiatrist near me?”

Answer: You can use the RICE method.

• Rest the injured foot.
• Ice packs will help reduce pain and swelling.
• Compress the heel and foot with a bandage.
• Elevate your feet whenever possible.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

The RICE method will ease your pain until you get to a doctor. Your podiatrist will prescribe a regimen that could include:

• Custom orthotics to support your arches and reduce pulling on the plantar fascia
• Night splints to gently stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon
• Special exercises to keep the ligaments supple
• Pain medication

Recovery from Heel Pain

Most people recover fully within a year, and without surgery. Only five percent of patients need surgery to correct the problem. But you can’t recover at all until you see a doctor and begin following the treatment plan.

Take Care

You depend on your feet for fun, for fitness and forgetting where you want to go. Some of you depend on them to make your living. You shouldn’t suffer any foot pain when running, walking or going about your daily business. When your feet, ankles or heels hurt, don’t just ignore it. It won’t go away and it will just get worse.

At Shuman Podiatry and Sports Medicine, we treat all kinds of foot problems. If you live in Virginia and are wondering, “Who is a qualified podiatrist near me?” wonder no more. We have the latest diagnostic techniques and treatments, all delivered in a warm, compassionate setting that focuses on you. Call us today and we’ll get you well-heeled.

Footcare Appointment Inquiry

About: Dr. Shuman provides podiatry services in Sterling, Ashburn, Lansdowne and Leesburg Va.  Shuman Podiatry offers custom orthotics, diabetic foot care, heel pain and spurs, wart removal and more.  Contact Dr. Shuman today for all your foot care needs.