Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

If you suffer from chronic heel pain, you could have a common condition known as plantar fasciitis. Your podiatrist can help. Drs. Heather Hall Morse, Raymond Noonan, and Abigail Skov at Northside Podiatry in Atlanta, GA, provide comprehensive foot and ankle care, including diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis.

What You Need To Know About Plantar Fasciitis

The thick band of tissue running across your heel is known as the plantar fascia. This tissue can become inflamed, causing a condition known as plantar fasciitis. It’s a foot condition that is common among runners, but you don’t have to be a runner to develop plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by:

• Walking or standing on hard surfaces for long periods
• Overpronating or rolling your feet when you walk

Plantar fasciitis has several signs and symptoms which are easy to recognize. You may have plantar fasciitis if you are experiencing:

• Stabbing pain around your heel and on the side of your foot
• Increasing foot pain after waking up
• Increasing foot pain after rising or standing up
• Increasing foot pain after exercising

You may be able to treat mild plantar fasciitis pain yourself. You can try:

• Doing gentle arch stretches several times daily
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medications
• Changing to more supportive shoes
• Avoiding going barefoot

For frequent, moderate to severe plantar fasciitis pain, you need the expertise of a podiatrist. Recommended professional treatments for plantar fasciitis include:

• Custom-fit orthotics or custom footwear to provide support
• Physical therapy and stretching exercises to maintain flexibility
• Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain
• MLS laser therapy to relieve muscle, tendon, and ligament strain

Want To Know More About Plantar Fasciitis?

To find out more about plantar fasciitis and how your podiatrist can help you get relief, talk with the experts. Call Drs. Heather Hall Morse, Raymond Noonan, and Abigail Skov at Northside Podiatry in Atlanta, GA. You can reach them in the office by calling (404) 843-0090, so call today.