Your feet withstand tons of stress on a daily basis. However, extra pressure from running or standing for long periods on hard surfaces may irritate the soft tissue on the sole of your feet, leading to plantar fasciitis. If you have heel pain when you first wake up in the morning, schedule an appointment with the podiatry team at Artisan Foot and Ankle Specialists for a plantar fasciitis evaluation. Call the office in Mission Viejo or Laguna Hills, California, or book a consultation online today.
Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition affecting the plantar fascia, the tight band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes on the bottom of your feet.
The plantar fascia supports foot mechanics during forward motion and acts as a shock absorber. However, too much stress on the plantar fascia from high-impact activities or prolonged standing on hard surfaces may irritate the tissue, causing tiny tears, inflammation, and pain.
Plantar fasciitis affects many people, including runners, teachers, and restaurant servers. You may be at risk of developing plantar fasciitis if you exercise on hard surfaces, stand for long periods, or wear shoes with poor foot support.
Heel pain is the most common symptom of plantar fasciitis. The pain may range from a dull ache to severe pain and may often occur during the first few steps you take when you get out of bed in the morning.
You may also have heel pain after you exercise, but not during the activity. Plantar fasciitis may also cause swelling in the heel or tightness in the Achilles tendon.
The Artisan Foot and Ankle Specialists conducts a comprehensive exam to diagnose plantar fasciitis. Your podiatrist reviews your symptoms, medical history, and usual activities.
They examine your feet, looking for signs of tenderness and swelling. Many conditions may cause heel pain, and your podiatrist may request X-rays to rule out other possibilities before diagnosing you with plantar fasciitis.
The Artisan Foot and Ankle Specialists team takes a conservative approach to the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Though it takes time, most people experience improvements in their heel pain with medical treatments such as:
In some cases, the team may provide steroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation. If you continue to have pain from your plantar fasciitis after a year of conservative care, the team at Artisan Foot and Ankle Specialists may talk to you about surgery.
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot pain. To find out what’s causing your pain, call Artisan Foot and Ankle Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.
