What is Plantar Fasciitis in Alexandria, VA?
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition often experienced by runners, joggers, and people who have a lot of foot stress. It is caused by the thick band of heel tissue, known as the plantar fascia, becoming inflamed.
How You Can Develop Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can develop due to several causes, including:
- Overpronating, or rolling your feet when you walk
- Having flat feet, being older, or being overweight
- Standing or walking on hard surfaces for long periods
- Running, jogging, or performing other activities causing a high degree of foot stress
Signs and Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is stabbing, aching heel pain, and pain on the side of your foot. When you experience plantar fasciitis pain, the pain might:
- Be worse in the morning when you first wake up
- Increase when you stand from a seated position
- Increase after exercising or being active
What You Can Do for Mild Plantar Fasciitis Pain
You may be able to relieve mild plantar fasciitis pain with a few simple home treatments, including:
- Applying ice to your heel several times daily
- Stretching your arches daily
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication
- Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes
- Avoiding going barefoot
When To Visit Your Podiatrist for Help with Plantar Fasciitis
It’s time to visit your podiatrist if your plantar fasciitis pain is frequent or continuous, is affecting your mobility, or if home remedies don’t provide relief.
How Your Podiatrist Can Treat Plantar Fasciitis
There are several ways your podiatrist can treat plantar fasciitis, and your podiatrist may recommend:
- Custom orthotics to provide support
- Physical therapy to enhance flexibility and mobility
- Prescription anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and pain
- Cortisone injections around your heel to reduce inflammation and pain
Surgery may be recommended in severe cases, or if other treatments don’t provide enough relief.