Learning About Podiatry Learning About Podiatry

If you have been suffering from persistent pain in your heel or along the bottom of your foot, you may have plantar fasciitis. The is a condition in which the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs from your toe bones to your heel, becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis can range from being very uncomfortable to downright excruciatingly painful, and, unfortunately, it is a condition that can be slow to heal. If you're suffering from plantar fasciitis, use the following tips to help with the pain and promote healing.

Wear the Right Shoes

When you have plantar fasciitis, it is very important to wear the right kind of shoes. You need to wear shoes that provide ample arch support—avoid shoes like flip flops. If you have shoes that don't have good arch support, purchase shoe inserts. If you have persistent problems with plantar fasciitis, you may want to visit a podiatrist to see if you may need special orthopedic shoes to help with the problem. 

Pain from plantar fasciitis is often most pronounced in the morning, so make sure that you put your shoes on as soon as you wake up. Walking barefoot can do more damage than good, as your foot will not have any support as you move. 

Rest Your Foot

It can take weeks or even months for an inflamed plantar fascia to heal, and during that time it is essential to rest your foot in order to promote healing. If you are a runner or regularly participate in exercise and activities that put stress on the foot, consider changing your routine. It is better to do low impact exercise that will not harm your foot until you notice a marked improvement in your condition.

Reduce Inflammation

Ice therapy can be very beneficial when you have plantar fasciitis. Regularly use ice packs on the area of your foot that hurts in order to help reduce inflammation and discomfort. You may also want to take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen or naproxen, while your foot is healing.

Physical Therapy

Persistent cases of plantar fasciitis may require physical therapy. During physical therapy, your therapist will lead you through sets of exercises that are designed to increase flexibility in your plantar fascia and also strengthen the muscles that surround it. After you learn how to do the exercises correctly, you should also do them at home as prescribed. 

If you suspect you have plantar fasciitis and are wondering how to get rid of the condition, talk to a podiatrist at Collier Podiatry PA.