Living with Plantar Fasciitis
Feb 24, 2023
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Plantar fasciitis is the kind of problem you’ll notice. It causes a sharp pain close to your heel that sometimes feels like stabbing or the pressure of pushing on a bruise. It’s incredibly uncomfortable and can make walking, standing, and living your daily life difficult.
Still, 1 in 10 people will get plantar fasciitis in their lifetime, so it’s incredibly important to find ways to manage it. At Southwest Foot & Ankle, in Scottsdale, Arizona, we want to help you live your best life in a way that plantar fasciitis doesn’t hold you back.
Our providers — Petrina C. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, and Mark T. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, — want you to live without pain and to be able to chase your dreams, whatever they may be. This often starts with the proper treatment of foot-related pain, and we’re happy to help.
Plantar fasciitis causes 11-15% of the foot-related health complaints that require a provider’s care in adult patients. It’s common for middle-aged people to experience this complaint as well as those who spend a lot of time on their feet. Certain exercises like running and professions like dancing, nursing, and teaching can predispose you to the disorder.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue that runs from your heel to just below your toes (called the plantar fascia) becomes worn from overuse. Small tears and stretching can lead to chronic inflammation over time, causing pain, which is most common in the morning or after sitting or standing for long periods.
There are many treatment options for plantar fasciitis, some of which might be more effective depending on your situation. These options might include physical therapy, orthotics, PRP therapy, Botox or steroid injections, shockwave therapy, or a combination of these.
In most cases, with treatment, the issue usually resolves within a year at the most with few patients requiring surgery if symptoms don’t improve. But in the meantime, you’ll need to live with this condition as your treatment takes effect.
There are ways to manage your discomfort at home while you seek treatment for your plantar fasciitis. For one, taking over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs is recommended when your pain is severe. Stretching before you go to sleep and wearing a night splint can also help those morning aches and pains.
If you want to maintain an active lifestyle but notice it’s hard to do so with plantar fasciitis pain, consider swimming or riding a bike to get exercise. If you’re in pain after a long day, performing the RICE method — rest, ice, compression, elevation — is a great way to manage it.
You won’t have to live with plantar fasciitis forever, especially if you get the proper treatment. But in the meantime, make sure you take care of yourself and treat your body with kindness.
The pain associated with plantar fasciitis can be brutal. But we can help. To make an appointment, call our office at 480-900-7399 or book an appointment online today. We look forward to helping!