Understanding Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is the tissue along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bones to your toes and creating your arch. The inflammation of this tissue, a condition called plantar fasciitis, creates pain and stiffness in the bottom of your heel as well as an aching or burning feeling along the bottom of your foot. If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, your symptoms are likely to be at their worst in the morning when you take your first steps, after standing or sitting for long periods of time, or after intense activity.

Often caused by overuse or overstretching, you may have a higher chance of suffering from plantar fasciitis if you have foot arch problems, either flat feet or high arches, or a tight Achilles tendon. You are also at risk if you’re a long distance runner, you experience a sudden weight gain, or you wear shoes with poor arch support.

“When treating plantar fasciitis, I always recommend conservative methods first,” explains Dr. Russel S. Sticha, foot and ankle specialist at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists. “This may include pain relief medications, a series of stretching exercises, a period of rest, shoe inserts or orthotics, and/or a cortisone injection.”

Dr. Sticha says that wearing shoes with good support at all times can be very helpful. Stretching your Achilles tendon for 20 minutes every day also aids in relieving pain. If these methods are unsuccessful in treating your condition, Dr. Sticha may recommend that you wear a walking boot or receive steroid injections into your heel. In some cases, surgery may be required.

If you think you may be suffering from plantar fasciitis or would like to schedule an appointment with our foot and ankle specialist, call Heartland Orthopedic Specialists at (877) 441-3736.