Plantar Fasciitis Causes and Treatment Options

How your podiatrists in Waldorf, Clinton, and California, MD, can help with plantar fasciitis pain

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot conditions, especially among runners and people who experience high levels of foot stress. Fortunately, your podiatrist can help you and your feet feel better.

The podiatrists at Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle provide comprehensive foot and ankle services, including treatment of plantar fasciitis. They have three convenient office locations in Waldorf, Clinton, and California, MD, to help you and your feet.

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes moderate to severe heel pain, and pain on the side of your foot. The thick band of tissue running across your heel, known as the plantar fascia, can become inflamed, causing plantar fasciitis.

You may experience plantar fasciitis if you:

• Overpronate, or roll your feet when you walk
• Stand or walk on hard surfaces for long periods
• Carry excess weight, causing high foot stress
• Are a runner, jogger, or do high impact sports
• Have flat feet or wear old, unsupportive shoes
• Are between 40 and 60 years old

These are the most common signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis:

• Sharp, stabbing pain in your arch or heel
• Increasing foot pain when you first stand up
• Increasing foot pain after being active

Mild plantar fasciitis pain can sometimes be relieved by:

• Doing arch stretches several times daily
• Icing your heel several times daily
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication
• Changing to more supportive shoes

Moderate to severe or chronic plantar fasciitis pain should be treated by your podiatrist, who may recommend:

• Custom-fit orthotics to support your feet
• Physical therapy to increase flexibility
• Prescription-strength medication
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT)

You don’t have to suffer from plantar fasciitis pain when relief is just a phone call away. Don’t let heel pain keep you from enjoying your active life.

To learn more about the causes and treatment of plantar fasciitis, call the podiatrists at Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle. You can reach them in Waldorf, MD, at (301) 843-9581, or in Clinton, MD, at (301) 868-3899, or in California, MD, at (301) 690-6044, so call today!