Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Columbia, SC

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common problem with the foot that can be very painful. It happens when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and ties your heel bone to your toes, becomes inflamed.

The plantar fascia holds the arch of your foot like a bowstring. If it’s stressed out too much, it can get tiny tears and get red or swollen. If you have this condition, you may feel a sharp pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel, especially when you get up in the morning.

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms

Plantar fasciitis can cause a variety of symptoms, but there are a few that are most common. Here’s what you might experience if you have this condition:

• Heel pain – This is the most common symptom. The pain is usually centered around the bottom of your heel, although some people might feel it in the arch of the foot as well
• Morning pain – Often, the pain is worse when you take your first steps after waking up or after being seated for a long time. It usually eases up after a few minutes of walking
• Pain after exercise – Interestingly, the pain from plantar fasciitis is usually not felt during exercise, but rather just after
• Difficulty climbing stairs – Because of the pain and discomfort in your foot, you may find it hard to climb stairs
• Tenderness – Your heel might be tender to touch

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by repetitive strain to the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot. This strain can cause tiny tears in the fascia, leading to swelling and pain.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Treating plantar fasciitis focuses on reducing swelling and stretching the tight plantar fascia to alleviate pain. Here are some common treatments:

• Rest and ice – Taking a break from activities that cause heel pain and applying ice to the area can help reduce inflammation and pain
• Physical therapy – A physical therapist can teach you exercises to stretch the plantar fascia and strengthen your lower leg muscles, helping to stabilize your ankle and heel
• Pain relievers – Over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation
• Orthotics – Custom-fitted arch supports (orthotics) or heel cups can distribute pressure evenly across your foot and alleviate stress on the plantar fascia
• Steroid injection – If other methods aren’t effective, your doctor might suggest a steroid injection to reduce inflammation
• Surgery – In rare cases when conservative treatments don’t help, your doctor might suggest foot surgery to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone

Plantar Fasciitis Care in Columbia, SC

At Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, we strive to restore your health quickly and safely, helping you to return to the activities you love. Experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis? Don’t wait, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists. Our team will help you get back on your feet, pain-free.