The wide, thick, fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot can become stressed and inflamed causing considerable pain and discomfort. This heel pain condition is known as plantar fasciitis. The most common early indication of plantar fasciitis is pain in back of the heel that is most noticeable when you first arise after sleeping.
Often these symptoms occur sporadically, so you may not think anything serious is happening, but the repeated stress can cause tiny tears to develop. These tears will cause increased pain and may require treatment from your podiatrist for proper healing to occur.
Causes of plantar fasciitisPlantar fasciitis is usually the result of having one or more of the following issues:
Improper footwear—Shoes with improper arch support which can cause overstretching or the plantar fascia.Obesity—Excess weight puts stress on the arch.Flat feet—Having flat feet or fallen arches makes you more susceptible to developing plantar fasciitis.Excess stress—People who spend a lot of time on their feet for work or sporting activities are more likely to strain ligaments and tendons, including the plantar fascia.Treatments for plantar fasciitisPlantar fasciitis is best treated when it is caught in the beginning stages. Treatments may include:
RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation)Calf muscle and Achilles tendon stretchesWearing shoes with good arch supportImmobilizing boot or night splintsStrength and flexibility exercises will be needed after the initial healing phase is completed.
If you have been suffering from heel pain, consult with our board-certified podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC. The center offers convenient locations in Fort Lee NJ, Ringwood NJ, Flushing Queens NY, Woodhaven NY, Brooklyn NY, and Forest Hills NY. Contact us at (201) 363-9844and schedule an appointment today!