Heel Arch Pain / Plantar Fasciitis
Heel Arch Pain / Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition in which people experience arch and heel pain. It’s most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60, although it can appear earlier. Those suffering from plantar fasciitis experience inflammation around the bottom of the foot and a stabbing pain in the heel and arch. It can be severe and should be treated immediately. It is usually particularly painful in the morning or after prolonged sitting or standing, however, it can also be aggravated by other factors.
If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can lead to the development of heel spurs, an inability to walk comfortably, and severe chronic pain. At Collective Foot & Wellness Clinic, we provide plantar fasciitis treatment options that will help alleviate or eliminate the pain and get you back on your feet – literally. You don’t have to live with foot and arch pain.
- Causes
- Treatment
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis and Prevention
When the tension on the plantar fascia, the tight band of connective tissue under your feet, is excessive, it creates tears in the fascia. This causes the fascial band to become irritated and inflamed. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to its development and progression. The way a person walks, or their gait, flat arches and other positional issues, overuse, walking on hard floors, and wearing improper, non-supportive footwear can all be causes of plantar fasciitis. It’s important to recognize these causes of plantar fasciitis to get the proper heel pain treatment.
Preventing plantar fasciitis is as simple as avoiding walking too much on hard surfaces, wearing proper footwear,custom orthotics and performing plantar fasciitis exercises like the stretching of the fascia. These acts can help prevent foot pain and heel pain from developing or progressing.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Plantar fasciitis treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition. Some patients require longer, more hands-on treatment while others are able to treat their condition more quickly at home. The most common arch and heel pain treatment options are:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Hot and cold therapy/stretching exercises
- Custom foot orthotics
- Proper footwear to improve foot health
- Laser/ultrasound therapeutic modalities, such as low level laser or ultrasound
- Night splints to stretch the plantar fascia
- Cortisone injections
Once diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, it’s important to reduce walking as much as possible. If the condition gets aggravated or progresses too much, treatment options become less effective and it can lead to chronic heel pain that hinders your regular activities.
Contact Collective Foot and Wellness Clinic today if you suffer from foot arch pain or heel pain. We can diagnose your condition and help you find a plantar fasciitis treatment that’s right for you.