Plantar fasciitis is a condition that can cause excruciating pain in the bottom of your foot or heel. Our feet are the structures that bear the most load and provide most of the support, allowing you to stand, walk, and run. For these reasons, it is critical to take good care of your feet. Treat plantar fasciitis in Hackettstown, NJ with our team of podiatrists from Foot Care Associates.

What are the causes and symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia located on the sole of your foot becomes inflamed. The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from your heel to the front of your foot. It is most commonly seen in people who spend a lot of time on their feet, either at work or through exercise such as running. Frequent, repeated pounding on hard surfaces is a culprit that can lead to plantar fasciitis. It is also common in overweight individuals because of the excess stress being placed on their feet. Some symptoms of Plantar fasciitis are:

• Intense pain when taking your first step out of bed in the morning (this is a hallmark symptom of Plantar fasciitis)
• Heel pain
• Pain in your heel or elsewhere on the bottom of your foot when you take a step after having been sitting for a while
• Swelling in the heel
• Pain that sets in after a bout of exercise rather than during

What are some things I can do to manage this condition?

A key to managing Plantar fasciitis is keeping the plantar fascia stretched out. Some helpful tips are:

• Stretch your calf and foot before getting out of bed and taking your first step. Keep a belt or towel next to your bed. When you wake up, wrap the belt around your forefoot while keeping your knees straight, and pull back. Hold this stretch for 20 seconds, then release the stretch. Repeat this stretch 5 times.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises targeted at the foot and ankle complex. Our podiatrist can show these to you or recommend a physical therapist in Hackettstown, Washington, NJ for plantar fasciitis treatment.
• Wearing supportive shoes
• Wearing a splint at night to keep the fascia in a stretched position
• Consider custom orthotics
• NSAIDs like Ibuprofen may help with pain and swelling
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid any aggravating activities while this condition is healing.
• One last helpful tip is to freeze a water bottle (that is full of water), place it underneath your foot and roll it back and forth several times a day.

Sometimes, you will need more involved treatment from your doctor, such as cortisone injections to aid the healing process. Surgery is rarely recommended for this condition.

Contact us for more information

You should not accept this pain as it is very treatable. Treat your plantar fasciitis in Hackettstown, NJ Schedule a consultation with one of our podiatrists at Foot Care Associates by calling (908) 852-0229.