Do you feel a stabbing pain in your heel in the morning? You are not alone. Many people experience this discomfort due to plantar fasciitis. This common foot condition can disrupt daily activities and make simple tasks painful. Fortunately, specialized foot doctors can help manage and treat this condition.
Plantar Fasciitis: Heel and Arch Pain
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the heel and arch of your foot. It occurs when the tissue between your heel and toes suffers too much strain or becomes inflamed.
This tissue, known as the plantar fascia, plays a crucial role in supporting the arch of your foot. When it becomes irritated or damaged, it leads to sharp pain.
The first steps you take in the morning can stretch the tissue suddenly, causing sharp discomfort. This is because the plantar fascia tightens while you rest. Throughout the day, the pain may decrease as the tissue loosens.
The following factors can increase your risk:
- Being overweight
- Wearing unsupportive shoes
- Spending long periods on your feet
Activities like running or dancing also place stress on your feet. High-impact sports activities can also increase your risk.
How a Foot Doctor Can Help with Plantar Fasciitis
Foot doctors, also known as podiatrists, specialize in treating conditions that affect the feet and ankles. They possess the expertise to diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.
Patients can benefit from a complete condition assessment by consulting a foot doctor.
Diagnosing Your Condition
During an appointment, the foot doctor will thoroughly examine your feet. They may ask about your symptoms and medical history.
Based on these findings, the doctor can confirm the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. It also helps them determine the best treatment course for your condition.
Discussing Treatment Options
Once diagnosed, your trusted orthopedic doctor will discuss various treatment options. These treatments reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and restore normal foot function.
The doctor will tailor the treatment plan to your needs, ensuring you receive the most effective care possible.
Suggesting Lifestyle Improvements
Foot doctors can provide valuable advice on lifestyle changes, too. These changes can help prevent future flare-ups.
They may recommend exercises to strengthen your feet or suggest footwear for better support.
Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis
Treatment options for this condition range from conservative approaches to more advanced interventions.
Your foot doctor will guide you through these options and help determine the best approach for your condition.
1. Rest and Ice Therapy
Initially, your doctor may recommend resting your feet to reduce inflammation. Applying ice to the affected area can also help ease the pain. Be sure to limit your exposure to ice to at most 20 minutes at a time.
These simple measures allow the plantar fascia to heal gradually.
2. Stretching
Stretching plays a vital role in managing plantar fasciitis. Your doctor may suggest specific stretches that target the calf muscles and the plantar fascia.
Regular stretching can improve flexibility and reduce tension in the affected tissues.
3. Orthotic Devices
Custom-made orthotic devices offer additional support to your feet.
These inserts in your shoes help distribute pressure evenly across your foot. By doing so, they relieve strain on the plantar fascia and promote healing.
4. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can complement your treatment plan. It is very common for a foot doctor to recommend physical therapy along with other treatments.
A therapist will guide you through exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting your feet. They may also use techniques like ultrasound therapy to reduce pain and inflammation. Strengthening the muscles can help reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
5. Medications
Over-the-counter medications can help manage pain and reduce swelling. Your foot doctor may recommend these as part of your treatment plan.
6. Corticosteroid Injections
In some cases, corticosteroid injections directly into the affected area can provide relief from severe pain. Your doctor will determine if this option suits your condition.
7. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
ESWT is a non-invasive procedure that uses shockwaves. It stimulates healing in the plantar fascia. It is often considered when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief.
8. Surgery
Surgery may be considered as a last resort option when conservative treatments fail to provide relief.
Trusted Foot Doctor in Columbia, MD
Plantar fasciitis can significantly impact your daily life, causing persistent pain and discomfort. However, with the guidance of a skilled foot doctor, you can explore effective treatment options and find relief.
If you are struggling with plantar fasciitis, trust Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland. Our experienced team offers personalized care to help you manage and treat your condition. Book a consultation using our secure online scheduling tool or call (410) 644-1880 today. You can also call (443) 478-4449 for our physical therapy services. Take the first step toward a pain-free life and regain your mobility with the help of the top foot doctors in Columbia, MD.
We look forward to serving you!
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354846
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354851
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14709-plantar-fasciitis
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