Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a condition that can cause significant pain in the bottom of your foot or heel. Your feet bear the most load and provide most of the support that allows you to comfortably stand, walk, and run. It is critical to take good care of your feet. Treat plantar fasciitis in Asheville, NC with Dr. Daniel Waldman from Blue Ridge Foot Centers.

What are the causes and symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from your heel to your forefoot on the sole of your foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. Most commonly, it is seen in people who spend significant time on their feet, either at work, sport, or exercise such as running. Frequent and repetitive pounding on hard surfaces is a common offender that can lead to plantar fasciitis. Also, it is common in overweight individuals due to the excess stress being placed on their feet. Some symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:

  • A hallmark symptom of PF is acute pain when taking your first step out of bed in the morning.
  • Heel pain
  • Pain in the bottom of your foot or your heel when you take a step after sitting for a while
  • Swelling in the heel
  • Pain that shows up after a bout of exercise rather than during

What are some treatments for this condition?

A key to managing plantar fasciitis is to keep the plantar fascia stretched out. Some recommendations from podiatrists are:

  • Before getting out of bed and taking your first step, stretch your calf and foot. Place a belt or towel next to your bed. After you wake up and before getting out of bed, wrap the towel or belt around the top of your foot while keeping your knee straight, and pull back. Hold this stretch for 15-20 seconds, then release the stretch and repeat it 5 times.
  • Strengthening and stretching exercises targeted at the foot and ankle complex are key. Dr. Waldman can show these to you or recommend a physical therapist in Asheville, NC for plantar fasciitis treatment.
  • Wearing more supportive shoes
  • Donning a splint at night to keep the fascia in a stretched position
  • Custom orthotics
  • Ibuprofen or other NSAIDS may help with pain and swelling
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Avoidance of aggravating activities

Sometimes, you will need more involved treatment from your podiatrist, such as cortisone injections in the plantar fascia to aid the healing process. Surgery is very rarely recommended to treat plantar fasciitis.

Contact us for more information

This condition is very treatable and the sooner you address it, the better. Treat your plantar fasciitis in Asheville, NC with Dr. Waldman from Blue Ridge Foot Centers by scheduling a consultation with us by calling (828) 254-5371. Dr. Waldman is board certified and also teaches surgery nationally and internationally including the latest Minimal incision. You can also visit their website at https://www.blueridgefoot.com/.

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