Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain got you benched? Here are some ways to get your pain under control.

Are you dealing with heel pain? If so, you could have an overuse injury known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the soles of the feet. If you’re a runner, have quickly intensified your workouts, or are on your feet all day, you may find yourself dealing with plantar fasciitis in Washington, DC. Your podiatrist, Dr. James Mintzer, can help diagnose and treat your heel pain.

What are the signs of plantar fasciitis?

Since there are many causes for heel pain you may be wondering if you are dealing with plantar fasciitis or something else. If you’ve never experienced heel pain before it’s a good idea to turn to your podiatrist and his team to find out if you have plantar fasciitis. Some of the telltale signs include:

• Pain that originates below the heelbone
• Pain that may radiate to the arches of the feet
• Swelling
• Pain and stiffness that are worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity

How is plantar fasciitis treated?

While it’s a good idea to have a podiatrist evaluate your foot, especially if your symptoms are severe or completely new, you may be able to manage your symptoms through rest, activity modification, and simple lifestyle changes. Most minor cases of plantar fasciitis will recover in a few weeks with ample rest and home care. Some of the ways you can ease your symptoms include:

• Avoiding high impact activities or strenuous activities 
• Elevate your foot to reduce swelling
• Stretch the feet every day to loosen the ligaments and muscles to reduce pain and stiffness
• Ice the foot 2-3 times a day for 10-15 minutes at a time to ease pain and swelling
• Take an anti-inflammatory medication
• Talk to your podiatrist about bracing or splinting your heel at night while you sleep. This can reduce pain and stiffness that are often worse in the morning

How does a podiatrist treat plantar fasciitis?

If you are dealing with plantar fasciitis in Washington, DC, you should visit your podiatrist to confirm that this is what’s causing your heel pain. If your symptoms aren’t improving, or are getting worse, despite rest and home care then you should also give us a call.

Ways in which our team may treat plantar fasciitis include:

• Crafting custom orthotic or shoe inserts to provide additional support and cushioning for the heels and arches
• Providing a walking boot or cast
• Steroid injections
• Shockwave therapy
• Surgery for severe cases

Are you living with heel pain, or having trouble getting your plantar fasciitis under control? If so, your Washington, DC, foot doctor Dr. Mintzer can help. Call Providence Foot Health Center at 202-269-4062 to schedule an evaluation.