Plantar Fasciitis

The band of tissue extending from the ball of the foot toward the heel is called the plantar fascia. Its job is to support the arched portion of the foot. However, when it becomes damaged, inflammation can lead to foot and heal pain. Known as Plantar Fasciitis, this can afflict anyone at any age.

Naturally flat-footed people or those who are overweight are most susceptible to developing Plantar Fasciitis. Walking and standing for long periods of time can exacerbate this condition by putting added pressure and strain on the muscle leading other symptoms as well as pain. People who walk with their feet caving in or leaning forward can also place added pressure on the plantar fascia.

Foot pain in one or both feet is the most common symptom associated with plantar fasciitis. This pain may be more intense at night, while walking, or after a long period of inactivity. When it comes to Plantar Fasciitis, walking may ease the pain or it may make the pain more pronounced.

A number of treatment options for Plantar Fasciitis are available at The Spine & Pain Center. Stretching exercises, physical therapy or over-the-counter drugs are just three of the options to alleviate pressure on the tissue. Perhaps you should try shoes that provide a more pronounced arch support to help ease the pain. Rest your feet often and/or take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling. Should these options not provide relief, we may prescribe medication or recommend an orthotic or splint. The good news is surgery is rarely required to treat plantar fasciitis. However, when more conservative measures do not adequately relieve inflammation or pain, surgical intervention may be necessary.