Have you experienced pain in your heel or on the bottom of your foot? Podiatric surgeon James Fullwood, DPM, with Northern Light Podiatry in Pittsfield explains this heel/foot pain can be plantar fasciitis. He shares what you can do to help improve this common condition that affects approximately one in ten people in the United States and discusses treatment options and when to seek medical help.
What is plantar fasciitis and who does this typically affect? Are certain people more prone to this or certain jobs that increase this risk? What are the symptoms?
Dr. Fullwood shares, “Plantar fasciitis can be described as heel pain where a tendon like structure at the heel becomes inflamed. This tendon like structure originates in the heel bone which we call the calcaneus and runs along the bottom of the foot to the toes. This typically affects individuals who stand for long periods of time for their jobs, individuals who are overweight, and athletes, such as runners and our weekend warriors who go to the gym or exercise over the age of 30.”
Treatment Options
“Most people with plantar fasciitis, 93% or more, get better with stretching, inserts or orthotics, and over-the-counter pain reliver . Some people are unable to have those medications, so check with your podiatrist or primary care provider before deciding on the best options for you. Icing also helps along with the combination of stretching and over-the-counter pain medications,” says Dr. Fullwood.
When to see a podiatrist?
Dr. Fullwood recommends connecting with a podiatrist if your heel pain has not gone away after several weeks of stretching, icing, and over-the-counter orthotics. He shares, “If the pain becomes unreasonable and you cannot walk, you should seek a consultation with a podiatrist. They will get to more about your symptoms, will evaluate your foot, and may possibly order an x-ray for additional insight.”
Ask your primary care provider for a referral to Northern Light Podiatry. Learn more about podiatric services at northernlighthealth.org/Podiatry.
What preventative steps should be taken to help avoid heel pain in the future?
Stretching
“A great way to prevent plantar fasciitis is to stretch every day,” shares Dr. Fullwood. “You can find these stretches on social media sites where podiatrists and physical therapists go through a series of stretches to help prevent plantar fasciitis.”
Proper Footwear
“Also, wearing shoes that are well-fitted, that have cushion, and have the appropriate shoe size for your foot is recommended, as we know shoe size and foot size are not the same,” explains Dr. Fullwood. “Your podiatrist should be able to help you determine between your shoe size and foot size.”
Visit northernlighthealth.org/Podiatry for more information.