Up to 1 in 10 people will develop plantar fasciitis –– an overuse injury that causes chronic heel pain. At Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, in Marrero, Louisiana, board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons, Catherine Hudson, DPM, Denise Elliott, DPM, and the team offer comprehensive care for plantar fasciitis. They may recommend over-the-counter arch supports, custom orthotics, or other treatments. Call Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, today to request a plantar fasciitis consultation, or book your appointment online.

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What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when your plantar fascia –– the band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes –– becomes inflamed because of general wear-and-tear. Without treatment, the injury worsens, affecting your mobility and quality of life.

Anyone can experience plantar fasciitis, but it’s most common in athletes, runners, and weekend warriors.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis symptoms include:

  • A stiff Achilles tendon
  • Swelling around your heel
  • Stiffness
  • Pain in the arch of your foot
  • Heel pain

These side effects tend to be the worst first thing in the morning, after waking up, or after long periods of sitting or standing.

Does plantar fasciitis require medical care?

Make an appointment at Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, if you regularly experience heel pain and it occurs alongside swelling, redness, or warmth. That’s particularly true if the pain lasts for more than a few days and doesn’t improve with rest, ice, or elevation.

How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?

Your Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and looks at your heel and the bottom of your foot. They gently press on your heel and arch to feel for inflammation and ask you to rate your pain.

Let your podiatrist know if certain activities, like work or exercise, make your symptoms worse. In addition, tell them if the pain is more intense at certain times of the day.

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

The Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, team treats plantar fasciitis using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. They may recommend:

  • Icing your foot
  • Rest
  • Wearing supportive shoes
  • Massaging or stretching
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT)

Sometimes, shoe inserts make a significant difference. The team offers both over-the-counter arch supports and custom orthotics. These inserts provide additional arch support and prevent additional damage to your plantar fascia.

Is there any way to prevent plantar fasciitis?

The best way to prevent plantar fasciitis is to take care of your feet. The Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, team recommends wearing comfortable and supportive shoes at all times, always stretching your feet before exercise, and replacing your sneakers every 6-9 months. Preemptive actions like these can keep your heels healthy and pain-free.

Call Foot and Ankle Center, LLC, today for relief from plantar fasciitis, or book your appointment online.