How You Can Walk Away from Plantar Fasciitis

Do you have foot pain? Suffering from foot pain can interfere with how you walk, rest, and everything in between. 

Your feet are an important part of supporting your body and help you move around each day as you need to. The bottom of each food has a wide and thick band of soft tissue that runs from the back of the heel all the way to the toes. This band attaches to the achilles tendon and helps hold the tension that gives you the arch in each foot. Since this band is located along the sole, it is easily damaged by overuse. Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms and treatment for plantar fasciitis. 

What is Plantar Fasciitis? 

One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Mayo Clinic explains that plantar fasciitis involves the thick band of tissue running across the bottom of your foot becoming inflamed. This thick band, known as the plantar fascia, connects your heel bone to your toes. Plantar fasciitis often causes a stabbing pain that usually occurs when you first wake up. Once you get on with your day and begin to move around, the pain usually subsides. However, it can often return with long periods of standing or when you stand after sitting for a while. 

Plantar fasciitis is also more common in runners. People who are overweight and wear shoes that don’t provide enough support also have an increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Other risk factors include:

• Age. It most commonly affects those between the ages of 40 and 60. 
• Certain types of exercise. Activities that place a lot of stress on the heel and attached tissue, like running, ballet, and aerobic dance, can increase your risk. 
• Foot mechanics. Flat feet, a high arch, or even an abnormal walking pattern can affect the way weight is distributed when you’re standing. This can add stress on the plantar fascia, contributing to the pain. 
• Obesity. Excess pounds put extra stress on the plantar fascia. 
• Occupations that keep you on your feet. Factory workers, teachers, and other occupations that require long amounts of walking or standing on hard surfaces are more susceptible to experiencing issues with this. 

Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms 

Most of the identifying symptoms of plantar fasciitis involve the sole of the foot. While some of the pain involves the center of the foot, it can also involve the toes. Common symptoms include pain that occurs:

• Gradually during each episode
• In one or both feet
• After standing from a seated position
• In the heel as a stabbing sensation
• Shortly after you wake up 

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Options 

When you first develop foot pain, home treatments like rest, ice, and taking anti-inflammatory medication often help. However, if these don’t relieve your pain and the pain gets worse, you have other options. Here at Texas Spine & Sports Therapy Center, we begin treating plantar fasciitis with non-invasive options, like:

• Stretching instruction to show you how to relieve tightness in the band
• Custom inserts for your shoes for better arch support
• Chiropractic adjustments  

Healthline explains that physical therapy plays a key role in treatment for plantar fasciitis. It can help stretch your band and Achilles tendons. Further, by strengthening your lower leg muscles, you can better stabilize your walk and lesson the load on your feet. 

Gentle stretches can also help relieve and even prevent this condition from occurring. By stretching your calves and the plantar fascia itself, you can loosen your muscles and reduce heel pain. While exercising can help, it’s also crucial to take a break from exercises that have been placing a lot of pressure on this band — like running. Swimming and other low-impact activities allow you to get exercise in without harsh impact. Before and after beginning to exercise again after injury, be sure you stop and stretch to prevent the pain from coming back. 

After your appointment with our team, you will learn your exact condition and what it will take to improve and prevent your pain from recurring. 

Make an Appointment with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center

Are you tired of foot pain? Walk away from it with our help. If you are suffering from foot pain and believe it could be plantar fasciitis, make an appointment with Dr. Shaner and our team at Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center today. We are specially trained to provide individualized treatment plans for foot pain and can help you get better today. Conveniently located in Austin, Texas, call us to schedule your appointment today: (512)-806-0015.