Plantar fasciitis is also known as a heel spur or policeman's heel. This is a widespread problem reported at the podiatric clinic, where the patient reports limping out of bed in the morning. It prohibits the patient from carrying out daily activities, and the pain makes walking difficult. This heel pain occurs beneath the sole and needs immediate treatment and proper examination to cure. So, let's get to know how a podiatrist can help with plantar fasciitis treatment.

Common symptoms 

The most common symptoms are discomfort with a sharp, stabbing pain at the bottom of the foot near the heel. Even if the feet rest for several hours, the pain can still be felt, and it becomes intolerable when exercising or putting pressure on the plantar fascia.

Common causes of plantar fasciitis

When the plantar fascia gets inflamed, it leads to plantar fasciitis. It can occur due to sudden injury, muscle overstretching, arthritis, or other medical disorders. Overuse, overloading, injury, repeated strain, or hyper-pronation can also cause this ailment. However, other foot conditions can cause it, including tendinosis, stone bruising, or other foot conditions. 

How to treat plantar fasciitis? 

When you visit the podiatrist, he will recommend different treatment measures to resolve plantar fasciitis. No single treatment can help you eliminate the pain or recover instantly. Treatment begins with the basics -

• If a competitive sport or prolonged standing has caused the injury, R.I.C.E. rest is recommended.

• After a long day, the foot should be treated with ice massage and taping, and a compression band, compression should be provided.

• After any activity, the foot should be elevated, and the planter facial ligaments should be massaged properly. 

• Stretching and strengthening exercises are also recommended, along with toe extension exercises. It would help if you learned how to perform the exercises accurately; otherwise, it can lead to chronic or severe problems. 

• Modifying your activity, especially when climbing stairs or steps, is also recommended to prevent stressing the plantar fasciitis.

• You have to try backward arching of the toe whenever required. 

• If this treatment fails, then advanced pain treatment is included -

• For short-term pain relief, specific arch taping is done. Along with this, foot orthotics are prescribed, which help to unload the plantar fascia and release the inflammation of the plantar heel structure. 

• When the condition becomes chronic, bracing and splinting are recommended. The E.S.W.T. treatment option is suggested if the patient's health does not adapt to conservative methods. This helps release the pain and ensures the patient can lead a quality life for over six months.

• In certain conditions, cortisone injections under ultrasound guidance are also provided to treat chronic plantar fasciitis.

  In addition to treating plantar fasciitis, clinics like Feet First often offer complementary services such as laser hair removal to enhance overall foot and skin care.

Conclusion

You must be very careful when it comes to plantar fasciitis and implement appropriate foot care methods to avoid any risk. Plantar fasciitis can increase due to age, obesity, tightness in the calf muscle, extended periods of standing on any hard concrete surface or wearing unsupportive footwear. You can consult with experts at Feet First Podiatry Clinic to get a treatment plan that will protect your feet from further damage.