Signs You Have Plantar Fasciitis

You might have plantar fasciitis if you are experiencing pain in the heels or arches of your feet. Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that occurs when the connective tissues that run along the bottom of the feet become inflamed. The name plantar fasciitis is derived from these connective tissues, which are called plantar fascia. At Paoli and Center City FootCare Centers in Paoli and Philadelphia, PA, our experienced foot doctors, Dr. Robert Cohen and Dr. Ushma Sheth, diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Causes

Many different factors can cause plantar fasciitis. A common cause is overpronating when stepping. Overpronating is associated with the feet rolling inward when taking a step, whether walking or running. The feet flatten as they roll inward, which causes the arches to become stretched and puts tension on the plantar fascia tissues that run from the heels to the toes. Chronic tension in these tissues can lead to inflammation. When the plantar fascia tissues are inflamed, a person is likely to experience pain or discomfort in the heels or arches of the feet.

Several other factors can cause plantar fasciitis to occur. In addition to overpronating, repeated stress on the heels can lead to the development of the condition. Other causes of plantar fasciitis can include:

• Being overweight
• Daily stress on the feet
• High-impact workouts
• Extensive walking
• Long-distance running
• Standing for extended periods

Symptoms

There are a few distinct signs you have plantar fasciitis. Experiencing pain on the bottom of the heels is a common symptom. Another sign of plantar fasciitis is heel pain that becomes more severe over time. Additionally, many patients experience more intense pain when they first get up in the morning or after sitting for an extended length of time. In both cases, the pain can be lessened by walking around for a few minutes, which gently stretches the plantar fascia tissues. Our podiatrists can determine if your heel pain is due to plantar fasciitis.

Treatment

Plantar fasciitis can be treated through several methods. Initial treatment strategies can include limiting physical activities temporarily, performing stretching exercises, wearing shoes that provide adequate arch support, and taking pain relievers. More serious cases might require advanced treatment methods, such as injection therapy, physical therapy, custom orthotics, a removable walking cast, a night splint, or padding and strapping. The skilled foot doctors can recommend the right combination of treatments for you.

Chronic heel pain that has gotten progressively worse over time is a sign that you might have plantar fasciitis. Treatments are available for correcting the problem and alleviating the pain. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cohen or Dr. Sheth, our knowledgeable foot doctors, call Paoli and Center City FootCare Centers in Philadelphia at (215) 545-0388. Appointments are also available at our office in Paoli by calling (610) 647-0400.