Living With Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the thick band of connective tissue that connects your toes to your heel. It helps absorb shock as you run or walk, but can become stretched or injured. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, you feel stabbing pain that’s worst in the morning and can interfere with daily activities, too. Those at greatest risk for developing plantar fasciitis are runners as well as those who are overweight or who wear unsupportive shoes.

At Go Feet, Dr. Stuart W. Honick and his team of expert podiatrists are experienced with helping patients, in the Linwood, and Mays Landing communities in New Jersey, deal with the day-to-day pain of plantar fasciitis and offer treatments to help you heal.

PAIN IN THE HEEL

Plantar fasciitis is extremely painful. The sensations of stabbing in the heel are the most acute first thing in the morning, when you first stand up from a night of sleep. The pain is also evident when you’ve been immobile for a while and begin moving again, such as walking after long periods of sitting or standing.

NOT INTENSE DURING EXERCISE

Pain from plantar fasciitis is usually not felt during exercise. However, the stress of running or other weight-bearing activity aggravates the inflammation, so your pain may be worse after your workout or the next morning. Running, jumping, high-impact aerobics, and dancing are particularly irritating to an inflamed plantar fascia.

LONG-TERM DYSFUNCTION

If you ignore plantar fasciitis and don’t seek treatment from an expert like Dr. Honick, you risk long-term complications. You may change the way you walk or run in an effort to decrease pain, resulting in back, foot, knee, or hip problems. This may result in you altering your workouts or skipping them altogether, which can lead to weight gain and a diminished quality of life.

DAILY EXERCISES

Luckily, there are measures you can take to help your plantar fasciitis. Daily exercises that stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon can help. Our team can also help you strengthen the lower leg muscles to better stabilize your ankle and heel. These exercises don’t take a lot of time, but are instrumental in your healing. Although you will come to our office for regular appointments, it’s important to also perform any appropriate exercises at home as well. If more intense physical therapy is required, we would be happy to refer you.

WEARING A NIGHT SPLINT

Living with plantar fasciitis may involve wearing a night splint that puts your foot into a position that stretches your arch and calf as you sleep. The night splint helps discourage tightening of the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, which aggravates pain.

DAILY ORTHOTICS

At Go Feet, you may be fit for custom orthotics to wear in your shoes – daily. These orthotics help improve foot placement and function, so you distribute pressure on your feet more evenly. A custom orthotic can also prevent the formation of heel spurs and bunions, a common side effect of plantar fasciitis.

If you experience intense pain in your heel and suspect plantar fasciitis, consult Dr. Honick at Go Feet. The practice can help you alleviate immediate pain and work on a long-term solution. Call the office, or schedule your appointment online.