Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Boynton Beach & Wellington, FL

Plantar fasciitis specialist in the Palm Beach County, FL: Boynton Beach (Greenacres, Boca Del Mar, Lantana, Kings Point) and Wellington (Royal Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, Loxahatchee, Westgate) areas

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. When this band of connective tissue becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis occurs. Fortunately, this condition is treatable.

There are several factors that may put you at a greater risk for developing plantar fasciitis. One of the biggest factors is age; plantar fasciitis is common in those between the ages of 40 to 60. Unsurprisingly, plantar fasciitis is also a common injury among runners and other athletes. Other possible causes for plantar fasciitis include wearing unsupportive shoes and standing for prolonged periods of time. People who are obese, have flat feet, abnormally high arches, or are pregnant may be at an increased risk of developing this condition.

The telltale symptom of plantar fasciitis is an acute, sharp, stabbing pain in the heel. This pain may radiate to the arch of the foot, and you may also notice swelling near the heel. The pain is usually at its worst in the morning, but can also be triggered by periods of standing or sitting. Plantar fasciitis may make it hard to run and walk. It may also make the foot feel stiff and sensitive, which consequently makes walking barefoot difficult.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis depends on the severity of the specific case of the condition. Ice massage applications may be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy is often used to treat plantar fasciitis, and this may include stretching exercises. Another treatment option is anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen. If the pain persists, your doctor may suggest padding, taping, or strapping the affected foot, wearing orthotics, a night splint, or a cast,and corticosteroid injections into the foot. If these treatment methods do not produce results, surgery can be considered.

If you suspect that you have plantar fasciitis, meet with your podiatrist immediately. If left untreated, symptoms may lead to tearing and overstretching of the plantar fascia. The solution is early detection and treatment. Be sure to speak with your podiatrist if you are experiencing heel pain.

Plantar Fasciitis (FAQs)

What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot injury in which the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. The inflammation is a natural, but often painful, response to small tears along the plantar fascia.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
The hallmark symptoms of plantar fasciitis is heel pain. The pain may be localized to the bottom of the heel, or it may affect the entire heel and even the arch of the foot. The pain may be dull, sharp, burning, or aching. It is usually at its worst upon first arising in the morning or when taking your first few steps after a long rest. Pain usually goes away during physical activity, but comes back afterwards. The heel may also be swollen and stiff, and the Achilles tendon may feel tight. Left untreated, plantar fasciitis symptoms can become chronic.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by repetitive overuse from running or other sports activities, or from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. People who have flat feet or high arches, are overweight or obese, work or exercise on hard surfaces, or stand for prolonged periods of time are at an increased risk of sustaining this injury.
How do you treat plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is initially treated through conservative measures. These may include resting and icing the affected foot, doing stretching exercises, wearing supportive shoes or orthotics, and taking over the counter medications to ease pain. If these treatments fail, the next steps may include padding, taping, or strapping the affected foot to support it and reduce strain on the plantar fascia, corticosteroid injections into the foot to relieve pain, or immobilizing the foot while it heals. In a small percentage of people, plantar fasciitis does not respond to conservative treatments and requires surgical intervention.
Can you still exercise if you have plantar fasciitis?
You can still exercise if you have plantar fasciitis. In fact, exercise is encouraged. However, you should choose activities that don’t strain the plantar fascia. These may include low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or yoga, and special foot stretches to strengthen your plantar fascia and aid your recovery.

Connect With Us On Social Media

Boynton Beach Wellington
scroll to top
Book Online