What causes plantar fasciitis?
One of the most durable bands of connective tissue in your body supports your arches: Your plantar fascia. This band stretches out and bounces right back into place with each step you take. But in some cases, your plantar fascia becomes seriously irritated and inflamed, a condition known as plantar fasciitis. You can develop plantar fasciitis due to:
- Overuse
- Flat feet
- High arches
- Sports injuries
Plantar fasciitis is also sometimes linked to your footwear or your training routine. For instance, if you wear poorly fitting athletic shoes and train on hard, flat surfaces — like a basketball court — your risk of plantar fasciitis increases.
Does plantar fasciitis cause heel pain?
Yes! Heel pain is often the number one symptom of plantar fasciitis, although it’s not the only issue. When plantar fasciitis flares up, which is usually after extended periods of inactivity, you may experience:
- Arch pain
- Heel swelling
- Foot tenderness
- Pain that worsens upon rising
While plantar fasciitis doesn’t usually cause issues while you’re exercising or training — movement minimizes pain by stretching out your plantar fascia — it can certainly flare up after your gym session or sporting event. But no matter how minor or severe your plantar fasciitis discomfort may seem, you have plenty of options for relief at Broadway Foot and Ankle Clinic.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
Treating plantar fasciitis involves combining treatments to relieve pain and inflammation, while also helping your plantar fascia heal. Your plantar fasciitis treatment plan from Broadway Foot and Ankle Clinic may include:
- Physical therapy
- Custom orthotics
- Stretching exercises
- Corticosteroid injections
- Padding, taping, and strapping
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Occasionally, surgery is necessary for treating plantar fasciitis. Surgery is the last resort if conservative therapies haven’t been effective. Using minimally invasive techniques, our physicians can remove heel spurs, release your plantar fascia, or remove damaged tissues so you don’t have to deal with ongoing plantar fasciitis symptoms.
You won’t have to live another day with plantar fasciitis pain once you start treatment at Broadway Foot and Ankle Clinic. Request to schedule your appointment online or over the phone today.
