Arch problems from plantar fasciitis often go hand in hand (or should we say foot in foot?) with heel pain. Many people experience heel pain as one of the first indications that they have stretches and tears in their arch tissue that radiate symptoms to the heel area. See your foot doctor for a proper diagnosis and to determine the actual cause of any heel pain.

Some possible causes of plantar fasciitis include the following issues:

• Inadequate arch support—Your foot doctor can check for pronation problems and determine which arch supports are suitable for your feet.

• Being obese—Any extra weight you carry around is multiplied fourfold in your feet and ankles, which increases the stress and pressure on the arches.
• Calf muscle shortening—High-heeled shoes can cause all sorts of issues with your feet and ankles and can cause the calf muscles to become shorter. This shortening can cause arch weakening and radiating heel pain as well.

Some of the treatments available for plantar fasciitis include the following:

• Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (The RICE method for foot and ankle injury treatment).
• A wide variety of physical therapy exercises for the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can help improve arch and foot alignment and prevent pain and discomfort.
• Always wear properly fitted shoes with the proper arch support to treat existing arch problems and to prevent arch problems from starting in the first place

If you are experiencing arch and heel pain, seeing your podiatrist is the best way to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment. 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.