What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

How your podiatrist in Bellingham, WA, can help when you have plantar fasciitis

If you have heel pain that doesn’t go away, you could have a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs because the thick band of tissue on your heel becomes inflamed. The pain can be mild, or it can be severe, making it difficult to walk.

Fortunately, your podiatrist can help you feel better and get back on your feet. Dr. Michael Sherwin at Family Foot Care Of Bellingham, in Bellingham, WA, provides a wide range of foot and ankle services, including treatment of plantar fasciitis.

You can develop plantar fasciitis if you:

• Overpronate or roll your feet when you walk
• Have flat feet, are older, or are overweight
• Stand or walk on hard surfaces for extended periods
• Run, jog, or perform other activities with a high degree of foot stress

Ordinary heel pain can come and go. Plantar fasciitis pain is different. You may have plantar fasciitis if you experience:

• Stabbing pain in your heel or arch of your foot
• Pain that travels along the side of your foot
• Foot pain that is worse when you first wake up
• Foot pain that increases when you stand up
• Foot pain that increases after exercising or being active

If you have mild plantar fasciitis pain, you can try a few remedies at home, including:

• Stretching your arches every day
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication
• Wearing more supportive, comfortable shoes, and avoiding being barefoot

For moderate to severe plantar fasciitis, you need to visit your podiatrist, who may recommend:

• Physical therapy to maintain flexibility and mobility
• Custom-fit orthotics to provide arch and foot support
• Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medication
• Cortisone injections around your heel

To learn more about the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment of plantar fasciitis and heel pain, call Dr. Sherwin at Family Foot Care Of Bellingham, in Bellingham, WA. You can reach him in the office by calling (360) 738-9797, so call now.