Have you ever gotten out of bed and had to tiptoe the first few minutes of the day because the heels of your feet ache when they touch the ground?
Or perhaps after sitting in your office chair for several hours, you feel burning and aching in the heels of your feet when you get up to grab lunch. Or after going on a hike with your family, you begin to feel sharp stabbing pains in the heels of your feet.
If you experience similar situations to these, you may have a condition called plantar fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis Basics
The bottom of your feet have a thick tissue called fascia that runs from the ball of the foot to the heel. Fascia is a strong tissue that supports the arch of the foot. Individuals with plantar fasciitis have inflamed fascia that causes pain when pressure is put on it.
Symptoms can vary, but pain is the most common symptom – including burning, stabbing, stiffness, or aching pains in the heels of the feet. The pain is most common after long periods of staying off your feet and after standing for long periods of time.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
There are several factors that can contribute to plantar fasciitis, including:
- Obesity – Excessive pressure on the feet due to a lot of weight can strain the fascia.
- Continued strain on the bottom of the feet – Fascia tissue can get strained due to excessive pressure, such as from sports and heavy exercise.
- Inadequate footwear – Shoes that don’t provide proper cushioning and support of the arch and the rest of the foot can lead to damage to the fascia, especially in individuals who spend several hours a day on their feet.
Treatments for Foot Pain
There are many treatments available to help alleviate the pain caused by plantar fasciitis. The type of treatment that’s right for you depends on the severity and frequency of the pain. Below are several options:
Ice
Applying ice is an effective way to reduce inflammation and pain. A good method is to apply towel-wrapped ice for 10 to 15 minutes at a time a few times a day. Make sure there’s enough of a cushion (such as a thick towel) between the ice or ice pack and your skin, or you could give yourself frostbite.
Painkillers
There are a lot of anti-inflammatory medications that can help reduce the pain of plantar fasciitis, such as Tylenol and ibuprofen. For severe pain, your doctor may prescribe prescription pain medication to help manage the pain.
Weight Loss
Obesity puts immense pressure on your feet and on the fascia tissue. An excellent way to reduce plantar fasciitis symptoms or prevent it from developing entirely is to lose weight and maintain a healthy body.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a great way to reduce plantar fasciitis pain, because it strengthens the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and tissue in the feet and legs. Physical therapy can also help increase flexibility in the legs and feet.
Surgery
For extreme cases of plantar fasciitis, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem and reduce pain.
Pain Doctors in Fort Lauderdale
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or another type of foot or joint pain, talk to an orthopedist about your condition and find out what treatments are best for you. The experts at Total Orthopaedic Care would love to help diagnose and treat your orthopedic condition.
We have a wealth of knowledge on orthopedic care and the latest and best treatments available. Call us at (954) 735-3535 today or fill out our online form to make an appointment at either of our offices in Pembroke Pines or Lauderdale Lakes. We look forward to helping you get back on your feet again with less pain and more enjoyment of life!
