Find out if your foot pain might be the result of this common ailment.
Whether you are a runner or on your feet all day, you might find yourself dealing with heel pain at some point. If so, you might be wondering what’s going on and how to treat the problem. Our Denver, CO, podiatrists, Dr. Florin Costache and Dr. Lorry Melnick, have you covered. Find out if the problem you are having might actually be plantar fasciitis.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is characterized as an overuse injury, as this foot problem usually appears gradually as a result of repeated stress placed on the thick band of tissue known as the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a dense connective tissue that runs along the soles of the feet and provides the arches with support.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
There are quite a few factors that can predispose someone to developing plantar fasciitis. It’s more common in older individuals and those who are overweight, as well as those who are on their feet for hours out of the day.
However, you may also develop plantar fasciitis if you have flat feet or extremely high arches, if you wear old, worn shoes that don’t provide enough support or if you often wear high heels. Those who overpronate when they walk or run are also at an increased risk.
What are the symptoms?
So, how can you tell if you are dealing with plantar fasciitis or not? The most common symptom is a pain at the bottom of the heel. This pain often extends to the arches. You may find that the pain gets worse when you first get up in the morning and that the discomfort often dissipates throughout the course of the day; however, you may find that pain and stiffness return after certain athletic activities or after sitting for a while.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
Bracing or splinting the foot can provide the arches with additional support and cushioning when walking. If symptoms don’t improve over the course of a week, if symptoms are severe or if they get worse, then we may need to consider other treatment options like shockwave therapy, ultrasound, or steroid injections.
Call Cherry Creek Foot Clinic in Denver, CO, if you are dealing with new or worsening foot pain. We will make sure that you get the care you need right away.
