Why does plantar fasciitis occur?

The band of connective tissue that runs across your arch, your plantar fascia, keeps your toes connected to your heel bones. Your plantar fascia is designed to be able to absorb shock and stretch with every single step you take.

Sometimes your plantar fascia wears down and becomes inflamed on an ongoing basis. This condition, known as plantar fasciitis, can stem from a number of factors, including:

• Being obese or overweight
• Developing heel spurs
• Having flat feet or high arches
• Participating in running or jumping sports
• Regularly wearing shoes with inadequate foot support

You might also develop plantar fasciitis because of your job. If you work in a field that requires you to walk or stand all day, like a postal worker, for example, your plantar fascia is subject to excessive wear-and-tear. You can develop chronic inflammation as a result.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

The top complaint of plantar fasciitis sufferers is heel pain, although you can experience arch pain and tenderness, too. What’s unique about plantar fasciitis discomfort is that symptoms tend to be worse after periods of inactivity.

For example, as you sleep, your plantar fascia does not get a chance to stretch out. As a result, as soon as you place your feet on the floor and stand up in the morning, your plantar fascia is forced to stretch out suddenly.

This is why pain tends to be at its peak during those first few steps after you get out of bed, but symptoms subside the more you walk around and your plantar fasciitis stretches out. You can even experience the same sorts of issues after sitting at your desk for long periods.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

If plantar fasciitis is continuing to affect you daily and even keeping you from participating in the activities you enjoy, it’s time to schedule an evaluation at Elite FootCare of Texas. Dr. Shepherd evaluates your feet, performs any essential imaging, and talks with you about your symptoms in an effort to find the best plantar fasciitis treatments for your needs. Your plantar fasciitis treatment plan may include:

• Night splints
• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy sessions
• Daily stretches and strengthening exercises
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT) treatments

While rare, occasionally surgery is the best solution for plantar fasciitis. Dr. Shepherd can use minimally invasive techniques to release your plantar fascia, remove heel spurs, or make any other essential repairs to help you get effective relief from plantar fasciitis.

Schedule your evaluation at Elite FootCare of Texas today. Book an appointment online or call the office directly.