Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Our team at Advanced Pace Foot and Ankle Center is led by Dr. Angelo Pace, a specialist who understands many foot-related issues. For example, he can help with plantar fasciitis in Alexandria, VA, to ensure that you feel comfortable and healthy. Thankfully, learning about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for this condition can help you understand your recovery.

Causes of This Disease

People experience this problem when their fascia, a tissue that connects your heel to the toes, is damaged or tears. It can cause severe pain and other concerns and may worsen with time. Furthermore, there are many risk factors that can worsen this condition, including age (most common between 40-60) and exercise that puts stress on the heel and tissue. 

Also, if you’re overweight, work in a job that puts you on your feet, or have flat feet (or more than one of these concerns), there’s a good chance that you might develop symptoms. It’s important to know what you’ll likely experience to ensure you get the help you need. 

Symptoms to Watch

If you’re worried that you have this condition, it’s essential to watch for the following symptoms. They’re likely to occur frequently and cause a lot of suffering that may make it hard for you to live a comfortable and happy life:

• Stabbing pains near the bottom of your feet
• Pain that occurs at its worst when waking up
• Suffering that may occur after standing for too long 
• Chronic pain in the heel that makes it hard to walk properly
• Hip, knee, and back problems related to this excessive pain 

Treatment Options

Our team at Advanced Pace Foot and Ankle Center, including Dr. Pace, will diagnose your plantar fasciitis in Alexandria, VA, using a variety of care options, including imaging tests and X-rays that can detect more serious problems. Then, we’ll provide you with various medications, such as over-the-counter options and prescription painkillers, that can help you. 

Physical therapy is key here and often includes stretching the Achilles tendon, getting athletic tape on your feet, wearing night splints, and working with various orthotic care options. Steroid injections may also help, as can extracorporeal shockwave therapy. In some instances, surgery may be necessary to repair any seriously damaged tissues in your foot. 

Call Us Today to Get Help

At Advanced Pace Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. Pace and our team of professionals can help you with plantar fasciitis in Alexandria, VA, and ensure that you get the support that you deserve. Call our Walker office at (703) 971-7100 or our Sherwood office at (703) 360-9292 to get the help that you need to overcome common foot-related issues that may plague you.