What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Do you notice a stabbing pain in your heel and the side of your foot when you get up in the morning? If so, you could have a common, painful condition known as plantar fasciitis. Your podiatrist can help. Dr. James Hurst at Centreville Foot & Ankle & Sports Medicine in Centreville, VA, offers comprehensive foot and ankle care, including plantar fasciitis treatment.

What You Need to Know About Plantar Fasciitis

A thick band of tissue, known as the plantar fascia, runs across your heel. When the tissue becomes inflamed, you have plantar fasciitis. You have a greater risk of developing plantar fasciitis if you:

• Are 40 to 60 years old
• Overpronate, or roll your feet when you walk
• Are flat-footed or carry excess weight
• Are a runner or practice other high impact sports
• Stand or walk on hard surfaces for a long period of time

There are some common symptoms of plantar fasciitis for you to pay attention to. You may have plantar fasciitis if you feel:

• Stabbing pain the arch or the heel of your foot
• Foot pain that increases after you wake up
• Foot pain that becomes worse after exercising
• Foot pain that increases when you rise from a standing position

For mild, occasional plantar fasciitis pain, you may be able to relieve your symptoms with a few simple home remedies. You can try:

• Doing arch stretches daily
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory or pain medication
• Changing to more supportive, comfortable shoes
• Avoiding going barefoot

For moderate to severe chronic plantar fasciitis symptoms, you should seek out the help and expertise of your podiatrist, who may recommend:

• Physical therapy to help maintain mobility and flexibility
• Custom-fit orthotics to help support your foot
• Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medication
• Cortisone injections around your heel

Want To Know More?

To learn more about the causes and treatment of plantar fasciitis, call Dr. James Hurst at Centreville Foot & Ankle & Sports Medicine in Centreville, VA. You can reach him in the office by calling (703) 830-3338, so call today.