Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent foot ailment characterized by discomfort and rigidity in the heel region. Additionally, it can lead to inflammation in the arch of the foot, which can make walking challenging. This condition often arises following sudden weight gain or heightened physical activity, such as speed walking or jogging. Learn more about plantar fasciitis and its causes here.
While there isn’t a definitive cure for this particular condition, there are various treatments available that can alleviate your symptoms and aid in your recovery. The primary objective is to minimize your discomfort and facilitate a speedy return to normal activities. By following these treatment options and consulting with your healthcare professional, you can find relief from pain and ultimately regain your mobility. For more information on available treatments for this condition, please click here.
In cases where surgery is deemed necessary by a medical professional, various conservative treatment options will typically be explored first. These may include stretching the plantar fascia and engaging in foot and calf muscle exercises. If these conservative methods do not yield satisfactory results, alternatives such as steroid injections or shockwave treatment may be considered. These options aim to alleviate inflammation and facilitate the healing process.
Before choosing a doctor, you should ask them how much they know about plantar fasciitis and your specific biomechanical problems. Having a competent physician will ensure that your pain is addressed quickly, accurately and effectively.
General Practitioners (GPs) are the most likely place to begin your plantar fasciitis diagnosis and treatment plan. They will be familiar with this condition and will be able to recommend an appropriate specialist for you to see.
A sports medicine specialist is another great option, especially for those who suffer from the condition as a result of an intense, specialized sport or activity. This specialist will be able to recommend additional treatment and make suggestions as to how you can avoid re-injury in the future.
Podiatric specialists are physicians who specialize in feet and their related issues. They work with patients to design, fabricate, assemble, fit and adjust foot orthotics and some ankle and foot braces.
They may also be able to prescribe over-the-counter or custom foot and ankle supports (orthotics) to support your plantar fascia and reduce stress on your foot. These can range in price from $150 to $300 each, but they are worth the investment if other treatments have failed.
Your podiatrist can take your medical history and perform an examination of the foot. Then, he or she will give you instructions on how to stretch and massage the tendons and muscles in your foot and calf to improve circulation.
If your pain doesn’t improve after a few weeks of conservative treatment, it is time to discuss surgery with your doctor. While surgery is not a quick or easy solution, it can be the best choice for those who have failed to improve with conservative treatment and whose condition does not respond to other measures.
It is important to note that the longer a patient has untreated plantar fasciitis, the worse it gets. This is because over time, the misalignment of the plantar fascia causes further trauma to your foot and the rest of your body.
Having a knowledgeable, experienced and skilled podiatrist can be the difference between a pain-free foot and a painful one that continues to worsen. When you have a qualified specialist who can treat your plantar fasciitis, you can rest assured that it will be resolved as soon as possible and you can resume your normal activities.
