Plantar fasciitis– symptoms and causes
Plantar fasciitis is basically a deformity of an inflamed thick band of tissues that connects the heel bone to the toes. It is commonly known as policeman’s heel. Our foot has a thick, fibrous band of tissues running from our heels to our toes. When these tissues are overly stretched, tiny tears occur in the tissue surface, which results in pain and inflammation. Traditionally foot doctors in Houston and Podiatrists Houston thought that heel spurs were the cause of plantar fasciitis. But modern treatment and research at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center proves that Heel spurs are the result and not the cause. They often prescribe heel spur pain relief in case of such a situation.
Causes of plantar fasciitis:
There are several reasons that contribute to the occurrence of plantar fasciitis. Generally, women are more prone to plantar fasciitis than men. The possibility of the occurrence of the disease increases with age. It also occurs when you are overweight or you stress your feet to the point of fatigue throughout the day.
The risk of causing plantar fasciitis also increases if:
- Your shoes are uncomfortable, worn out with thin soles.
- You have flat feet or a very high arch.
- You wear ill-fitting footwear such as high heeled sandals.
- You have tight Achilles tendons pain or those known as ‘heel cords’.
- You have an unusual posture and walk or foot position.
- You are suffering from obesity.
If you bore such habits, then you should visit a foot and ankle specialist at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center in Houston TX. Ignoring plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic heel pain which will cause obstruction to our regular pace in life activities.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis include the following:
- Pain in heel and tenderness in your foot sole.
- The affected heel would cause pain which will lead to difficulty in bearing weight or any activity involved with the foot.
- It is difficult to walk, especially while taking the first few steps after waking up.
- The heel pain is more like a burning pain and sharp, which can become severe.
- Swelling of the bottom of the foot.
- You will gradually realize while working out any athletic activities.
- Swelling and tenderness at the insertion of the plantar fascia or the band of the tissue to the heel, on the bottom of the foot.
You can start by preventing any stressful athletic activities. Visit for physical therapy from time to time. In severe cases, surgery is recommended. Treatment involves injections of cortisone in the foot which works as a pain reliever. Orthotic devices or shoe inserts are worn to take off the pressure from the plantar fascia. Heel lifts reduce pressure on Achilles tendon to relieve heel spur pain. Use sports running shoes with soft and cushioned insoles to reduce irritation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Houston, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries. Visit your nearest podiatrists in Houston or a foot doctor Houston, as soon as getting the symptoms.
