Signs You May Have Plantar Fasciitis
Our feet withstand a lot of pressure, so it's no surprise that they're prone to injury and pain. From work to family, our feet are on the go from morning to night. Constant activity can create heel pain in anyone, even if you're young. Our Certified Podiatrists can help people with plantar fasciitis in Birmingham and surrounding areas at our clinic.
Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain syndrome) is caused by the inflammation of a thick ligament (the plantar fascia) in the bottom of your foot. It's a common condition that takes place gradually, but it can also arise following an injury. If you're experiencing persistent pain and discomfort in the bottom of your feet, keep reading. In this article, we'll talk about the signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis, as well as treatment options.
Why Does Plantar Fasciitis Occur?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that occurs gradually. It doesn't just pop up overnight, but rather causes pain and discomfort over the course of weeks, months and years. In fact, one out of every five adults will suffer from this condition at some point in their life.
Plantar fasciitis is most often the result of:
Feet that do not point straight ahead when walking
Flat feet - When the arch of the foot collapses excessively downward or inward, this is known as overpronation or flat feet
Severely high arches
Walking, standing, or running for long periods of time
Being overweight
Having tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles
Shoes that are too small, or shoes that are worn out and no longer give good support
Signs of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can create a feeling like you're stepping on something sharp when you walk. Another symptom is pain when you get up in the morning and first step out of bed.
The pain of plantar fasciitis is worse when the heel is stiff. When you first get up in the morning, or after sitting for hours, you may notice that the pain is even more intense. The irritation and inflammation are usually worse after exercise, which can make going for a long walk very difficult.
Diagnosing Plantar Fasciitis
We recommend scheduling an appointment for a full examination if you have been experiencing swelling or pain in your ankle or other foot joint for more than two weeks.
During your appointment, we will perform a thorough examination of your foot to determine the location and severity of your injury. We will also measure any swelling, test your reflexes, and check your flexibility and range of motion. It could also benefit you to have a gait analysis or biomechanical assessment, to ensure that there aren’t any other problems.
After the initial exam is complete, your podiatrist will discuss your plantar fasciitis treatment options and help you determine a plan to alleviate pain. The treatment plans for plantar fasciitis can vary from patient to patient based on the extent of damage to the affected area.