Plantar fasciitis is basically inflammation of the band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. The plantar fascia is a thick band that runs along the bottom of your foot. When this tissue is inflamed it can cause a sharp stabbing pain, especially when you take your first steps in the morning. The pain often decreases as you walk more because the band stretches a bit. The pain frequently returns if you stand on your feet for long periods. It may also return if you sit for long periods.
Plantar fasciitis is very common in people who run a great deal. People who are overweight also have a higher tendency for plantar fasciitis as do people who wear shoes with inappropriate support.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis frequently causes a stabbing pain that radiates from the bottom of your foot by the heel. The pain is worse in the morning and following exercise and long periods of sitting or standing. The pain generally goes away while walking around or during exercise.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
In some cases, the cause is not entirely clear. In some cases, the fascia has small tears that become irritated and inflamed resulting in pain.
Complications
Plantar fasciitis can create chronic heel pain if it is ignored. Such pain can interfere with your enjoyment of day-to-day activities. It can also cause you to change the way you walk which can result in additional back, hip, knee, and/or foot problems. It is best to address your plantar fasciitis issue as soon as it develops.
Treatment
Many people with plantar fasciitis can recover with easy, non-invasive treatments.
Orthotics/Night Splints: Using custom fitted orthotics (supports) in your shoes and night splints can ease your pain. For plantar fasciitis and orthotics, come see us at PTI Orthotics serving the Boulder/Longmont areas.
Physical Therapy: Specific exercises and stretching are great ways to stretch your plantar fascia, as well as your tendons, and muscles. The combination can help stabilize your heel.
Some people require more intensive treatment.
Steroid Injections: Steroids can provide temporary pain relief while your fascia heals. Multiple injections are not recommended because it can result in a ruptured plantar fascia
Wave Therapy: Uses sound waves to stimulate healing. It is usually used on chronic sufferers who have been unable to find relief for their plantar fasciitis.
Tenex procedure: Removes scar tissue from the plantar fascia without surgery.
Surgery: This is a last resort and is only needed by a few individuals. The surgery detaches the plantar fascia from the heel bone. It can result in weakening the arch of your foot which is why it is a last resort.
For help with plantar fasciitis and orthotics, contact us here at PTI Orthotics. Serving the Boulder and Longmont areas, we can help you by providing a fully customized approach to pain relief. Let’s get started with a full evaluation and consultation so that we can find the right fit for your unique needs.