Plantar fasciitis is an unforgettable pain, making every step a trial in endurance. It’s usually worse in the mornings, or after getting up from a long period of inactivity. This can sour your mood before the day even begins and make it hard to do even basic tasks. You don’t have to begin every morning with pain, though. Orthopedic specialists have the experience, resources, and technology to help.
If you’re tired of struggling with constant heel pain or have diagnosed plantar fasciitis, it’s time to seek professional help here at PMC Foot and Ankle Clinic and begin exploring your options.
Plantar fasciitis basics
Before getting into what causes plantar fasciitis pain, let’s take a look at the makeup of your foot. Your plantar fascia is a tough band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your feet, from your heels to your toes. The tissue’s primary responsibility is to provide support for your arches, allowing you to walk, run, and jump.
If too much strain is placed on the plantar fascia, it can develop small tears. This leads to inflammation, and you’ll start feeling pain. The pain is worse in the morning because the inflammation tightens the tissue overnight, and you have to stretch it out when you get up. If your condition is bad enough, the tissue might not stretch out properly at all, leading to heel pain that lasts throughout the day.
Plantar fasciitis can also lead to heel spurs, which is your body’s way of trying to strengthen the area. Unfortunately, heel spurs typically only add to the pain.
Treatment options
There are possible plantar fasciitis treatments, but the first step should be alleviating the pain. This can be done using ice and anti-inflammatory medications.
However, solving the pain problem doesn’t correct the root issue, which is the tears in the plantar fascia. Here’s what you and your doctor can do about that.
Regular, gentle stretches
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. If your plantar fascia feels taut and sore, beginning a regular stretching routine might keep it from tightening any further and alleviate pain caused by tension. It’s important to use proper stretching exercises and technique, and your doctor can show you how to safely and productively stretch this area.
Take a break from running, sports, or manual labor
If you regularly put strain on your feet by running, jumping, or lifting, you should take a break and give your plantar fascia time to heal.
Consider regenerative medicine
The faster you heal, the sooner the pain will lessen and you can get back to your regular routine. If you want to speed up the healing process, regenerative medicine can give your body the kick-start it needs. Platelet-rich plasma and similar therapies can encourage your body to heal more quickly, repairing the tears in your tissue and helping you walk without pain.
Custom orthotics
If you’re still suffering from pain or want to reduce strain on your injury, custom orthotic inserts can redistribute your weight and support your foot so the plantar fascia doesn’t have to.
Using a combination of these treatments will tackle your pain from multiple angles and help you heal faster. If you’re struggling with heel pain, getting a diagnosis and treatment plan from a specialist is a step in the right direction.
You can make an appointment with Dr. Blanson by calling the location closest to you, or by using the contact page to make an appointment.