Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel N. Verville
May 2, 2016
The plantar fascia is the ligament connecting your toes to your heel bone. It spans across the arches of your feet for support when you walk. Straining this ligament, can cause plantar fasciitis which often presents as:
- Severe pain on your heel or at the bottom of your foot first thing in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
- Discomfort when standing or climbing stairs.
- Tightness and inflammation at the bottom of your foot or heel.
Plano patients experience these symptoms because the ligament is not absorbing shock normally.
How Does Plantar Fasciitis Develop?
Plantar fasciitis is a common runners’ or dancers’ injury because it’s born from repeated strain. Middle-aged patients are also prone because of repeated leg strain. Other factors for developing plantar fasciitis include:
- Walking, standing, or running for a long time, particularly on hard surface.
- Feet that turn in when you walk.
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon.
- Being overweight.
- Flat feet or high arches
- Wearing shoes that don’t fit or are worn.
Runners, dancers, and other athletes are likely to worsen the problem over time with repeated stress. This often results in chronic pain for the heel, foot, knee, hip, or back.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
During a consultation Dr. Verville will check for tender spots on your foot. After she has evaluated the extent of the injury possible treatments include:
- Ibuprofen.
- Physical therapy to perform stretches that strengthen muscles.
- Night splints to stretch your calf muscle and arch overnight.
- Orthotics for arch support to relieve pressure from specific parts of your foot.
When caught early, these treatments can help. But in more severe cases Dr. Verville may need to use steroid shots or surgery to correct the problem.
Prevention of Reinjury
If your job or physical activities leave you vulnerable to repeated plantar fasciitis then a visit to the podiatrist is needed for comprehensive treatment. Dr. Verville specializes in assisting athletes, dancers, runners, and other active people with managing the extent of their foot injuries.
If you have painful plantar fasciitis, call our Plano office at 214-385-8822 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Verville today.
