We’ve seen patients of all ages and fitness levels with plantar fasciitis – in fact, the one thing they tend to have in common is that they’re surprised by the diagnosis.
Plantar fasciitis is extremely painful, often chronic, and yet, as uncomfortable as it can be, the pain may go away completely for days at a time. Not surprisingly, patients are sometimes slow to make an appointment to check on the pesky ailment.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is not “just” heel pain. In fact, many patients who complain of heel pain do not have plantar fasciitis. Although plantar fasciitis is a truly painful condition, some people are relieved to find out they have it, rather than a more serious condition that may require surgery.
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the ball of the foot. While most patients notice heel pain first, the inflammation can lead to serious pain in the arches of the feet as well.
Most patients with plantar fasciitis notice pain in both feet, but one may be worse than the other.
How is plantar fasciitis treated?
How plantar fasciitis is treated depends on myriad factors. Common-sense responses, from ice and rest to massage and physical therapy, are sometimes all that’s needed.
However, most patients who are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis have a variety of foot care and fitness issues that should be addressed, or they are almost certain to develop a long-term relationship with plantar fasciitis.
The good news is that even if you have a lot of pain in the bottom of your feet, there are treatments that can help significantly, so you can return to your normal activity (even running, if that’s your passion).
Why bother treating plantar fasciitis?
If the pain comes and goes, does it really require treatment? To dismiss plantar fasciitis as “just heel pain” or an intermittent problem with a small part of the body is to ignore a frustrating condition that can significantly limit your daily activities.
If pain in your feet is stopping you from doing things you’d like to do, you owe it to yourself to find out how to reduce the pain and return to the level of activity that you enjoy.
Contact us at Brevard Podiatry to find out how to treat that pain on the bottom of your feet, so you can dance, hike, run, or just walk around your house comfortably.
