The wide band of tissue that spans the bottom of your foot (the plantar fascia) can become stressed, irritated, and inflamed from excessive pressure leading to severe pain and discomfort that often radiates to the heel area. This common condition is called plantar fasciitis. Since this condition can be tricky to trace and treat, be sure to see your foot doctor for the proper care.

Plantar fasciitis can be caused by the following:

1. Wearing poorly fitting footwear—Wearing poorly fitting shoes that are too loose or too tight and not having proper arch support can cause stress and overstretching or the plantar fascia.
2. Carrying a lot of extra weight—Being overweight increases pressure on the plantar fascia making it more susceptible to injury.
3. Calf muscle problems—Wearing high heeled shoes puts extreme stress on the foot and leads to the development of a tightened calf muscle that can cause arch and heel problems.
4. Repetitive stress injury—People on their feet all day for work, ballet dancers, and professional athletes are prime candidates for a plantar fascia or other ligament injuries.

Treatment options for plantar fasciitis include the following:

Conservative treatment methods for plantar fasciitis and other foot and ankle injuries include using the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). Physical therapy exercises that include Achilles tendon stretching will also help. In severe cases, the torn plantar fascia may need surgery along with a rigid plastic boot that will be required for any weight-bearing while healing occurs.

If you suspect that you may have arch and heel pain from plantar fasciitis, see your foot care professional for the proper diagnosis and treatments. Call Syracuse Podiatry, located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, and Dr. Donal M. Erickson and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.