Finding the Right Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

Constant, aching pain in the bottom of your foot can disrupt a daily routine and limit activities you enjoy. Because we spend so much time on our feet, feeling a dull ache (or even shooting pain) with every step can be a nightmare. At Wilks Advanced Foot Care, we're dedicated to helping you find the right treatment for plantar fasciitis and get back to normal as soon as possible.

Types of Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

While usually characterized by heel pain, plantar fasciitis symptoms and manifestations can differ widely across patients. Not only is every foot different, but each person lives a unique lifestyle. That means the best treatment for you might not be the best treatment for the next person. Our expert podiatrist, Dr. Jason Wilks, knows this all too well, calling upon years of experience curing heel pain to craft an individualized treatment plan that works just for you. 

The First Step - Diagnosis

When you first step into our offices in Roseburg, OR  you and Dr. Wilks will discuss your symptoms. He'll then perform a basic hands-on assessment to ensure that you do, in fact, suffer from plantar fasciitis. As inflammation of a tissue called fascia in the lower foot, this condition can be diagnosed fairly easily by heel pain increased by a foot flexion test. Confirmation of any associated conditions may require an X-ray. Once you've gotten your diagnosis and ruled out any other possibilities, it's time to start treatment.

At-Home Remedies

If your pain is still relatively minor, there are a few things you can try right now at home to find relief. These may include simple changes in lifestyle, activity level, or shoes. You can also try some of the more hands-on therapies below:

  • Reduced activity or complete rest
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Ice massage
  • Calf stretching
  • Orthotics or other over-the-counter foot support
  • Weight loss

Orthotics

Often, heel pain stems from repetitive strain in an area that isn't supposed to bear as much load as we ask it to. In short, we can correct these biomechanical issues by providing support and movement control at the foot. Wearing orthotics keeps pressure off that painful heel and re-distributes it across the whole foot, supporting and strengthening your arch while correcting your gait. Dr. Wilks' can prescribe custom orthotics molded to your exact foot shape, which work much better than the standard, over-the-counter brand. 

Call us at (541) 673-0742 to schedule an appointment at our office in Roseburg, OR today. 

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