If you have heel pain, you may have come across the medical term plantar fascia. This is a strong, fairly inflexible connective tissue on the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone with the toes. When this tissue becomes damaged or torn, it is known as plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia. There is a good chance that your heel pain may be caused by plantar fasciitis, as this is the most common form of heel pain. What caused your plantar fasciitis? Perhaps you run or walk quite a bit or have the type of job that requires you to stand for all or most of the day. Maybe you regularly wear flip-flops, high heels or other footwear that does not offer adequate support or cushioning. Arthritis can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, as well as tight calf muscles, high arches, flat feet, or other conditions you may have that cause an imbalance in the biomechanics of your feet. You may even be pregnant or carrying some extra weight, which can stress the plantar fascia. Whatever the reason is for your heel pain, you should know that help is available. You don’t need to learn to live with heel pain, especially if it is caused by plantar fasciitis. Podiatrists treat people with plantar fasciitis every day, and can offer you various forms of treatment to provide the relief you are looking for.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact James Torhorst, DPM from Torhorst Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Waupaca and Stevens Point, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.