Do you suffer from plantar fasciitis? Or other orthopedic problems? If so, you’re probably looking for ways to manage your pain and improve the quality of your life. If you’re searching for regenerative medicine in New York, don’t hesitate to contact City Podiatry. The clinic specializes in heel pain, plantar fasciitis, orthotics, and regenerative medicine in New York, NY.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that is relatively common and affects the bottom of the suffers heel. The condition has been named after the plantar fascia, which is a thick, ligament that’s web-shaped. It connects your heel to the front of your foot. The plantar fascia acts like a shock absorber, supporting your foot’s arch and helping you to walk.
During typical day to day life, the ligaments in your feet are subject to much wear and tear as they are in constant use. Plantar fasciitis is, therefore, a widespread condition across much of the world. If you’ve been putting too much pressure on your feet, the ligament could become damaged or tear. When damage occurs the plantar fascia gets inflamed, which results in stiffness and an aching heel.
It’s unclear precisely what causes plantar fasciitis.
What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
If you’re experiencing plantar fasciitis, you’ll likely have a painful heel. It also affects the foot’s sole. One or both feet can be affected, but it’s more common only to have it on one foot. Plantar fasciitis is likely to develop slowly over several weeks. The pain may start off as a dull ache and then become a sharper pain. Many suffers have a burning sensation on the bottom of their foot. This is likely to extend outward from the bottom of the heel.
Plantar fasciitis is commonly worse in the morning. Suffers may also find it very hard to climb stairs due to stiffness in their heel and foot. You may also have a flare-up of pain after doing a psychical activity; this is due to inflammation or irritation.
How is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?
If you’re experiencing discomfort and pain with your heel or feet, ask your doctor to carry out a physical exam. The doctor will be able to locate the exact location of the pain and look for any tenderness.
You’ll be asked to flex your foot, and the doctor will press down on the plantar fascia to see if you feel an increase in pain. The doctor will also look for swelling, inflammation, or redness. The doctor is likely to check your reflexes and evaluate your muscles and nerves. They will also check your balance and co-ordination.
The doctor may recommend that you have an x-ray or MRI scan to rule out any other problems, such as a bone fracture.
What are the Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis?
In most cases, Plantar Fasciitis will improve with home treatments in a few weeks. You can try to rest your feet as much as possible and can also use ice or heat packs to improve the pain.
Your doctor may also give you a foot brace or anti-inflammatory medications. If home treatments don’t work, you may be offered an injection of corticosteroid, which will go directly into your damaged heel.
