How is Plantar Fasciitis Causing My Heel Pain?

Your podiatrist in Roseburg, OR, can help with plantar fasciitis and heel pain

Do you have a sharp pain in the heel of your foot? Is it worse in the morning when you first stand up? If so, you could have plantar fasciitis, one of the main causes of heel pain. Fortunately, your podiatrist is an expert at diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Dr. Jason Wilks of Wilks Advanced Foot Care in Roseburg, OR, offers a wide range of foot care services, including treatment of plantar fasciitis and heel pain.

The thick band of tissue running across your heel is called the plantar fascia. When this band of tissue becomes inflamed, you have plantar fasciitis.

Inflammation of the plantar fascia or plantar fasciitis can be caused by a few factors, including:

• Overpronating, or rolling your feet when you walk
• Walking or standing on hard surfaces for an extended period of time
• Carrying extra weight or being flat-footed
• Running, jogging, or doing other activities which cause a lot of foot stress

You may have plantar fasciitis if you:

• Feel a sharp, stabbing pain across your heel or on the side of your foot
• Experience heel pain that is worse in the morning when you first get up
• Notice heel pain that is worse after you exercise

You may be able to relieve painful plantar fasciitis symptoms by trying a few simple remedies at home, including:

• Icing your heel for 15 minutes, several times each day
• Taking over-the-counter pain or anti-inflammatory medication like Tylenol or ibuprofen
• Doing gentle arch stretches
• Switching to shoes with more support

Moderate to severe plantar fasciitis symptoms which don’t respond to home remedies should be treated by your podiatrist, who may recommend:

• Custom orthotics and footwear to provide more foot support
• Stretching exercises and physical therapy to maintain flexibility
• Prescription medication to decrease inflammation and pain
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) to treat pain and inflammation

To find out more about the causes and treatment of plantar fasciitis and heel pain, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Jason Wilks of Wilks Advanced Foot Care in Roseburg, OR, at (541) 673-0742. Call now.