If you suffer from consistent heel pain, it could be a condition called plantar fasciitis. The most common symptom of the condition is stabbing pain in the feet, especially when you take the first few steps in the morning. The pain can get worse with long periods of standing. Is it time that you see a foot doctor in Maryville, IL? We have a few pointers below for help.
Risk factors for plantar fasciitis
There are several risk factors for the condition, including age, activities like running or jumping, having flat feet, and obesity. Wearing shoes that have extremely soft soles can also trigger plantar fasciitis pain. Working out on a hard surface or standing for long hours can also cause unusual pain in the heel. Other risk factors include wearing stilettoes or high heels all the time, tight Achilles tendons, and using shoes with poor arch support.
Understanding plantar fasciitis
This degenerative condition impacts the plantar fascia, a fibrous band of tissues that runs along the sole of the foot. It is responsible for connecting the heel bone to the toe base. This band of tissues may lose elasticity due to the factors listed above, which causes pain.
Identifying plantar fasciitis
The typical symptom of plantar fasciitis is a stabbing pain in the heel, which may extend to the mid-foot area. The pain is usually worse in the morning or after hours of inactivity. You may experience pain triggered by plantar fasciitis in one or both feet.
The treatment options
There are several treatment options for plantar fasciitis, which is why you should see a podiatrist at the earliest to avoid further complications. They may advise you against activities that hurt your feet and stretching the toes and calf muscles during the day as often as possible. Typically, podiatrists try to recommend simple solutions, like wearing a pair of shoes with more cushioning and using a night splint. Applying ice to the area may help ease the pain, and for overweight people, losing weight may make a difference. Doctors may also recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.
If you are experiencing heel pain for a while, it will take longer to heal. It is wise to talk to a foot doctor so that you can discuss the treatment plans in detail. For most patients, plantar fasciitis is a manageable condition as long as the condition is addressed soon.
