Do you have chronic heel pain? If so, it could be more than just heel pain. You could have a common foot condition known as plantar fasciitis. Your podiatrist can help. Dr. Rose Sotolongo in Ridgeland, MS, provides comprehensive podiatry services, including diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis. She proudly serves residents of Ridgeland, Jackson, and Madison, MS.
What You Need To Know About Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is caused by the thick band of tissue on your heel, known as the plantar fascia, becoming inflamed. Inflammation of the plantar fascia can develop from several causes, including:
- Jogging or running
- Walking or standing on hard surfaces for long periods
- Overpronating or rolling your feet when you walk
You may have plantar fasciitis if you are experiencing:
- Stabbing pain around your heel and on the side of your foot
- Increasing pain after waking up
- Increasing pain after rising or standing up
- Increasing pain after exercising
You are at increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis if you:
- Carry excess weight
- Have fallen arches
- Are over 40 years old
- Wear old shoes without enough support
You may be able to get relief from mild, occasional plantar fasciitis pain if you:
- Do gentle arch stretches several times daily
- Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medications
- Change to more supportive shoes
- Avoid going barefoot
If you have frequent, moderate to severe plantar fasciitis pain, you should seek out the help of an expert, your podiatrist. To relieve your plantar fasciitis pain, your podiatrist may recommend:
- Custom orthotics or custom footwear to provide support
- Physical therapy and stretching exercises to maintain flexibility
- Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy or ESWT to relieve muscle, tendon, and ligament strain
Want To Know More About Plantar Fasciitis?
To find out more about plantar fasciitis and how your podiatrist can help you get relief, call Dr. Sotolongo in Ridgeland, MS, serving residents of Ridgeland, Jackson, and Madison, MS. You can reach her in the office by calling (601) 206-9101, so call today.