Plantar Fasciitis Q & A
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition that occurs when a band of connective tissue (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed. The plantar fascia begins at your heel, travels along the bottom of your foot, and divides into five narrow bands that connect to your toes. Its primary jobs are to support the arch and absorb shock every time you take a step.
Why do I have plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia endures extreme stress during your normal daily movement. The stress leads to tissue damage and inflammation. Without prompt treatment, inflammation weakens the plantar fascia, possibly leading to a tear.
Your risk for plantar fasciitis increases if you have:
-
Flat feet
-
High arches
-
Tight calf muscles
-
Tight Achilles tendon
-
Overpronation (rolling your ankle inward when walking)
You’re also more likely to have plantar fasciitis if you engage in high-impact activities like running, dancing, and jumping or suddenly increase the intensity of your activities.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain that’s usually worse when you get up and start walking in the morning or after resting. The pain improves as you walk and stretch the tissues.
You may be surprised to learn that the pain doesn’t get worse when you exercise. Instead, you’re more likely to have pain in the heel or arch after you stop moving and the tissues tighten.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
Dr. Marzano promotes healing using modern techniques that repair the injury instead of merely reducing symptoms.
The three techniques listed below use different approaches but they all apply advanced principles of protection and healing:
-
Shockwave therapy (uses healing high-energy sound waves)
-
MLS® (multiwave locked system) laser therapy (low-level light energy)
-
Restorative medicine
These therapies stimulate cells that rebuild and repair tissues, reduce inflammation, increase circulation, and promote healing.
Your provider may begin your treatment with other conservative therapies that give the tissues time to heal on their own, such as:
-
Temporarily avoiding high-impact activities
-
Immobilizing your foot
-
Wearing night splints
-
Using customized orthotics (support shoes or heel pads)
-
Getting steroid injections
-
Performing stretching exercises
Plantar fasciitis usually heals with nonsurgical treatments. If your pain and inflammation remain after several months of therapy, your provider may suggest surgery.
If you need help for heel pain, call Dr. Marzano of Westchester Podiatric Medicine or book an appointment online today.