Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. It is often caused by overuse or repetitive strain, and can lead to heel pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking. This blog provides information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for plantar fasciitis, and why you should see a podiatrist for your plantar fasciitis.

Causes:

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain and will affect 7-10% of the population at some point during their lifetime. Plantar fasciitis is often caused by repetitive strain or overuse of the plantar fascia. This can be due to a variety of factors, including:

• Running or jogging on hard surfaces
• Wearing shoes with poor arch support or cushioning
• Being overweight or obese
• Having flat feet or high arches
• Having tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
• Standing or walking for long periods of time

Symptoms:

The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel or arch of the foot. This pain is often worse in the morning or after periods of rest, and may improve with activity. Other symptoms may include:

• Swelling and inflammation in the foot
• Stiffness or tightness in the calf or foot
• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time

Treatment:

There are several treatment options for plantar fasciitis, including:

• Rest and ice: Resting the foot and applying ice can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Stretching: Stretching exercises can help improve flexibility in the foot and calf muscles.
• Footwear: Wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning can help reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
• Orthotics: Custom orthotics or arch supports can provide additional support and cushioning for the foot.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve flexibility and strength in the foot and calf muscles.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended to help reduce pain and inflammation.

Why Go To a Podiatrist:

While many primary care providers are able to diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis, it is often beneficial for patients to see a podiatrist for specialized care. Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists who are specifically trained to diagnose and treat conditions like plantar fasciitis. They can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the foot and ankle, and offer a wider range of treatment options, including:

• Custom orthotics: Podiatrists can provide custom-made orthotics or arch supports to provide more targeted support and cushioning for the foot.
• Corticosteroid injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve severe or chronic plantar fasciitis symptoms.

Schedule an Appointment with a Podiatrist Today

Plantar fasciitis can be a painful and debilitating condition, but with the right care and treatment, most people are able to find relief from their symptoms. With the help of a podiatrist, you can receive a more comprehensive evaluation and a wider range of treatment options to help you recover from this condition. Advanced Foot & Ankle Center has 12 podiatrists and 10 locations throughout Utah to help with your plantar fasciitis. 

Click here to find your nearest location. Plantar fasciitis specialists are available in South Ogden, Bountiful, Salt Lake, West Jordan, Eagle Mountain, Provo, Nephi, St. George, Heber, Park City, and all other surrounding areas.