Foot Ankle Specialists
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Foot Ankle Specialists
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Fixing Plantar Fasciitis, a Real Pain

Dec 15, 2021

Anytime you have pain, it’s an indication something is wrong. This goes double for your feet and especially for something called plantar fasciitis. What is plantar fasciitis? It is the inflammation of the tissue that connects your heel bones to your toes.

One symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the bottom of your foot or toward your heel that is usually worse in the morning. The pain can be sharp or dull.

Causes of plantar fasciitis include:

  • Obesity
  • Age
  • Flat feet or high arches
  • Thin soled shoes
  • High heels
  • High impact sports

All the above can place undue strain on the foot ligaments and connecting tissues. Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and requires immediate attention. The best solution is to see your podiatrist who will examine your feet and conduct a variety of tests including an x-ray and an MRI or magnetic resonance imaging scan. It is not uncommon for plantar fasciitis to be confused with a heel spur or a neuroma, which is why an x-ray or MRI may be helpful. Once a heel spur is ruled out, your podiatrist can treat appropriately.

Treatments include:

  • Rest, ice and stretching
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen
  • Physical therapy
  • Night splints
  • Orthotics
  • Steroid injections
  • Shockwave therapy
  • Surgery

There are several things you can do to avoid developing plantar fasciitis like keeping at a healthy weight, foot stretches, wearing supportive shoes, using ice on sore feet, and, if needed, change your sport to one less stressful on your feet.
If you believe you have or are developing plantar fasciitis or have any other concerns about your feet, make an appointment with us at Foot and Ankle Specialists of Central PA. Our doctors Terry H. Clarke and Karen M. Leonard will diagnose you and treat you appropriately.  Our office serves patients in Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Harrisburg and surrounding communities in Cumberland County. We are located at 4 Flowers Drive, Suite 2, Mechanicsburg, PA, 17050. Visit the Foot Docs by calling 1-717-FOOTDOC!