Plantar fasciitis is commonly referred to as 'policeman's heel' or 'jogger's heel.' It is amongst the most common causes of pain that may occur to the heel or bottom of your foot. This involves the thick, flat band of tissue (plantar fascia) connecting your toes to your heel bone and supporting the arch of your foot. With plantar fasciitis, the shock absorbent arch supporting the ligament can develop micro- tears. These tears can lead to pain and swelling.
How Do I Know If I Have Plantar Fasciitis?
You experience significant pain at your heel and pain at the bottom of your foot- Your most acute pain occurs with first few steps after awakening
- You experience foot pain after periods of standing, rising from a seated position, or climbing stairs
- You have tingling, numbness, swelling or radiating heel pain
Ten percent of people experience plantar fasciitis during their lifetime. It is the cause of 80% of heel pain, affecting both genders evenly.
What Are The Risk Factors Of Plantar Fasciitis?
- Standing on hard surfaces for prolonged periods (factory workers, soldiers, teachers, police officers)
- Improper foot mechanics, high arches, flat feet, abnormal method of walking
- Particular types of exercise (running excessively, ballet dancing)
- Obesity
- Worn out or tight shoes
- Tight calf muscles
- Age (40-60 years)
How Do I Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
- Take a load off: Give your feet some rest and stay off of hard surfaces
- Ice: When placed on the heel, it can relieve swelling and pain.
- OTC Medication: Some over-the-counter medication, like naproxen or Tylenol, can help ease the discomfort until you see Woodbridge area podiatrist, Dr. Ross.
- Better Shoes: A new pair of shoes with a cushioned sole, better arch support, and shoe inserts and heel cups in both shoes
- See a Woodbridge Podiatrist: Scheduling an appointment with a professional Woodbridge VA area podiatrist like Dr. Ross can help you treat the condition and ease your foot pain and heel pain.
During your initial assessment with Woodbridge, VA area Podiatrist, Dr. Ross, he will observe you standing and walking, and ask some simple questions. It is important to know how physically demanding your job is, the time of day when the pain flares, if running is a part of your day, and what kind of shoes you normally wear. Recovery from plantar fasciitis is typically achieved with simple treatments in a matter of months.
Read more about plantar fasciitis from WebMD here.
Call our podiatry office near Woodbridge, VA at (703) 451-2977 for a consultation!
This information is not meant as medical advice. It is provided solely for education. Our practice would be pleased to discuss your unique circumstances and needs as they relate to these topics.
Dr. Paul Ross Of The Podiatry Center
TOP RATED BETHESDA, MD & SPRINGFIELD, VA PODIATRIST
The Podiatry Centers treat all medical and surgical foot pain and ankle pain conditions. Licensed Woodbridge, VA area Podiatrist, Dr. Paul Ross can help bring you foot pain and ankle pain relief.
Our Woodbridge, Virginia (VA) area podiatry offices offer the most effective and state-of-the-art, quality podiatry care services with a smile to patients in our local community, including: Woodbridge VA, Bethesda MD, Springfield VA, Fairfax VA, Annandale VA, Arlington VA, Alexandria VA, Burke VA, Gaithersburg MD, Potomac MD, Silver Spring MD, Rockville MD and Chevy Chase MD.
Return to a pain-free life and get back to the things you love!
