Central Kansas Podiatrist Explains Key Facts About Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that affects the tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. It causes inflammation and pain, but – with proper diagnosis by a podiatrist – it can be treated effectively. If you think you might have plantar fasciitis, it's important to see a foot doctor rather than continuing to suffer in silence. If you live or work in or near Wichita, Kansas, schedule an appointment today to see Dr. Benjamin Weaver at Central Kansas Podiatry.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition characterized by inflammation of the connective tissue between the heel bone and toes. It occurs when the band of tissue that extends between your heel and toes, called the plantar fascia, becomes irritated. Irritation leads to inflammation, which then leads to pain. Obesity elevates a person’s risk of developing plantar fasciitis, as do abnormal foot structures, such as high arches or flat feet, and wearing shoes that do not provide proper support.
Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
If you have foot pain, it’s natural to wonder if you might have plantar fasciitis. You’ll need to be examined by a podiatrist for a definitive definition, but this condition usually involves the following symptoms:
- Pain on the bottom of your heel. Plantar fasciitis patients typically experience pain on the bottom of their heels inflammation.
- Pain first thing in the morning or after a period of inactivity. Plantar fasciitis patients often experience pain when they stand up first thing in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
- Pain that worsens with extended standing. Most people with plantar fasciitis experience pain when they first stand up. This pain may go away for a while but comes back and gets worse if they stand for a long period of time.
- Pain that increases over time. If you are experiencing the symptoms above and the level of pain you experience increases over multiple weeks rather than getting better, you may have plantar fasciitis.
If you have some or all of the symptoms above, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have plantar fasciitis. Other foot and ankle conditions that have similar symptoms include stress fractures, tendonitis, and arthritis.
Diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis
It is critical to visit a podiatrist to determine if you have plantar fasciitis. Your podiatrist will complete a full examination to rule out other possibilities and properly diagnose you. It’s important to get the right diagnosis so you can be prescribed treatments likely to help reduce your pain based on what is causing it.
If you are in the Wichita area, make an appointment to see Dr. Benjamin Weaver of Central Kansas Podiatry today. During your appointment, Dr. Weaver will review your medical history and conduct a physical exam. Diagnostic imaging exams, like X-rays, ultrasound, or MRIs, may also be needed in order to be certain about your condition.
Treating Plantar Fasciitis
There are a number of treatment options for plantar fasciitis. Some plantar fasciitis treatments can be done at home, while others may require in-office treatment by your podiatrist. Each patient’s situation is unique, which is why it is so important to see a podiatrist for an individualized diagnosis and treatment plan. Common plantar fasciitis treatments include:
- Orthotics. Orthotics are custom supportive shoe inserts. They can help align structural abnormalities that contribute to plantar fasciitis.
- Supportive footwear. Walking and standing on hard, flat surfaces without wearing proper supportive footwear contributes to the development of plantar fasciitis and can prevent its improvement.
- Physical therapy. Physical therapy and certain exercises can help increase strength and reduce the heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
- Topical gel. In some cases, a podiatrist may prescribe topical gel to help relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis.
- Steroid injections. Corticosteroid injection therapy is sometimes recommended to help decrease the inflammation and pain associated with this condition.
- Night splint. Wearing a night splint can help reduce the pain of plantar fasciitis. This type of device can stretch your heel overnight, reducing pain in the morning.
- Walking cast. Your podiatrist may recommend a removable walking cast to keep your heel immobile while it heals.
- SoftWave therapy. SoftWave therapy is a non-invasive in-office treatment that can relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis by using sound waves to help reduce inflammation in the affected area.