Plantar fasciitis, a cause of heel pain and stiffness, is a common foot problem. Your podiatrist at Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists, Dr. Sara Bouraee, Dr. Jon Houseworth, Dr. Byun, and Dr. Piotrowksi can help you diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis in Williamsburg and Hampton, VA.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Your plantar fascia is a thick connective tissue band that runs along the sole of your feet. Inflammation of the plantar fascia is plantar fasciitis. It's a repetitive strain injury featuring micro-tears to the ligament. Physical activity such as running, walking, and jumping can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. Wearing the wrong footwear can also contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
Heel pain is the major sign of plantar fasciitis. Often, the pain is intense when you take your first steps in the morning, hence, it's known also as first-step pain. Heel pain from plantar fasciitis is also intense after resting for extended periods and typically improves after physical activity. However, your plantar fasciitis heel pain can worsen after vigorous activity.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Your podiatrist typically focuses on conservative therapies for your plantar fasciitis in Williamsburg and Hampton, VA. Plantar fasciitis treatments include:
- Ice Pack — Placing an ice pack on your affected heel can help reduce the pain and inflammation.
- Medication —Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve the discomfort and inflammation of your plantar fasciitis.
- Stretching Exercises and Physical Therapy — Specific stretching exercises that your physical therapist recommends can help improve your condition. These exercises typically target your plantar fascia and Achilles tendon.
- Steroid Injections — Steroid injections reduce inflammation of your plantar fascia that fails to respond to stretching and anti-inflammatory medication.
- Orthotics — Foot Orthotics help take off some of the pressure on your plantar fascia to relieve pain and inflammation. Your podiatrist can help you get custom orthotic devices that are more effective than over-the-counter Orthotics.
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) — Your podiatrist may recommend ESWT for persistent plantar fasciitis. This therapy uses shock waves to cause micro trauma that promotes healing of your plantar fascia.
If you suspect that your heel pain might be due to plantar fasciitis you'll only know for sure after your podiatrist's diagnosis. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sara Bouraee, Dr. Jon Houseworth, Dr. Byun, and Dr. Piotrowksi of Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists to discuss ways to treat your plantar fasciitis in Williamsburg and Hampton, VA, by calling:
Williamsburg (757) 220-3311
Hampton (757) 224-7605