Symptoms and Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is caused by a strain to the plantar fascia, or the ligament that runs from your heel to your toes. This ligament acts as the primary support for the arch of your foot, and if it becomes injured or strained, you may have difficulty standing or walking. If you believe you are suffering from the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, visit a foot doctor in Sugar Land for diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia can become strained in many different ways. If you walk or run in such a way that your feet roll inward, or if you suffer from high arches and flat feet, you may be more susceptible to developing plantar fasciitis. You can also acquire plantar fasciitis if you’re an athlete and run often, or for long periods of time, or if your job requires that you stand or walk for the majority of your day, especially if you wear ill-fitting shoes that don’t provide adequate support to the arches of your feet. Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons can also cause plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis can come on suddenly, and can also disappear and reoccur. These symptoms i nclude pain while standing or walking after a period of rest, such as when you get out of bed in the morning, increasing pain after prolonged activity, and the feeling that the plantar fascia or the arches of your feet are being stretched or strained as you walk. You will notice that the pain subsides or disappears completely after you have rested your feet for a while, and will reoccur after another period of activity.

Treatment Methods

The first treatment your podiatrist will recommend you try is resting your feet. He will suggest that you avoid any running or jumping, and that you attempt to avoid prolonged periods walking or standing. He may advise you to ice your feet, take ibuprofen, and wear different shoes that offer better arch support. If these treatments are unsuccessful, he may try steroid shots. Foot surgery is rarely necessary.