Do I Have Plantar Fasciitis?

While there are other causes of foot pain, plantar fasciitis is recognizable because of the sharp pain near the heel that is often much worse in the morning just before you get out of bed. Other symptoms include recurring pain in the same area of the heel after being on your feet for a prolonged period, stiffness in the heel, and heel swelling.

How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis

There are many effective ways to treat plantar fasciitis, including ice therapy, elevation, and rest. To alleviate the pain completely, however, you may need to get a cortisone injection, have extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or a Tenex procedure performed. Rarely, plantar fasciitis will require surgery. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can result in chronic heel pain.

How to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis

Once you have achieved pain relief from this debilitating disorder, preventing recurrence is the goal. In order to prevent plantar fasciitis, you must provide adequate support for the arch of your foot. Wearing the proper shoes or orthotic implants can help immensely. You may also need to avoid jogging or running, as these and other high-impact activities can aggravate the condition. Regularly stretching your feet to keep the ligament from tightening again, or wearing night splints, can also help prevent a recurrence.

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis, consult a podiatrist. Dr. Robert Stein is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine who’s been in practice for over 25 years and strives to ensure that adults and children live without foot pain or discomfort. Call one of our locations or fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment with South Shore Foot Care today.