subject: Plantar Fasciitis- The Causes And Methods Of Treatment [print this page] Do you experience heel pain when you walk or run? Does this pain limit how active you can be? If you said yes to either of these questions, it is possible that you are experiencing a chronic foot condition known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is the most common type of heel pain and affects millions of people every day. There are several ways that it can be caused and a few different options that you and your podiatrist have to treat the condition. Talk to your Cumming, GA podiatrist today if you are experiencing any serious heel pain.
Causes Of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, the tough band of tissue that runs from the heel to the ball of your foot, becomes inflamed. This then leads to inflammation and swelling that will combine to cause you serious pain. Here are some of the most common causes for plantar fasciitis:
*Overweight. If you are carrying excess weight, an extra strain is put on your feet with each step. Over time, this can lead to the development of plantar fasciitis.
*High arches. If you have high arches on your feet, walking may put an additional strain on them. You should make sure that your shoes fit you properly to deal with your high arches.
*Excessive walking, standing or running. Being on your feet for an extended period of time can strain your plantar fascia. Doing this every day can eventually lead to plantar fasciitis.
*Poorly fitting shoes. One of the most common causes of foot and heel pain is wearing shoes that do not fit you correctly. If your shoes do not offer the proper amount of support for your feet, you are much more likely to develop a variety of problems, including plantar fasciitis.
Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
Depending on how severe your condition is, there are a few different treatment options for you. There is no single treatment that works for everyone so talk to your podiatrist in Cumming to find out what is best for you. Here are a few common treatment options:
*Stay off of your feet. This is the simplest way to deal with a mild case of plantar fasciitis. If there is a specific activity that is causing you pain, it can be helpful to avoid that activity.
*Choose properly fitting shoes. This is one of the most important things you can do to help avoid plantar fasciitis. Depending on your foot type, your podiatrist may also be able to give you orthotic inserts to reduce your pain.
*Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy. Shockwave therapy has become a very effective treatment for plantar fasciitis over the last decade or so. This treatment stimulate healing in your heel and has proven to be a very successful option in the past.
To learn more about plantar fasciitis or to schedule an appointment, contact your Cumming, GA podiatrist today.
