Why See a Foot Doctor for Plantar Fasciitis
When your feet start to hurt, you may not immediately think of going to a foot doctor. You may assume it’s no big deal and the pain will eventually go away. But if you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you may want to make an appointment with Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute to have your feet looked at to help alleviate long-term pain.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
This condition is where you experience inflammation along the plantar fascia, which is a wide ligament that attaches to the back of the heel and goes to the toes. Plantar fasciitis causes pain under the foot, from the heel through the arch. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by any excess stretching of the foot, resulting in small tears in the ligament. The doctors at Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute can diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.
You may notice the pain most when you get up in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time. Once you have started walking, the pain will usually lessen. It returns again the next time you get up after sitting and can take several minutes to lessen as you move around.
Many people suffer from plantar fasciitis, including athletes. If you stand or walk a lot for your job, you may also be more likely to suffer from this condition. If you gain a significant amount of weight, it can put extra stress on your feet, including the plantar fascia. As people age, they can also become more susceptible to these tears in the plantar fascia.
Why Do You Need To See a Foot Doctor?
Since plantar fasciitis is common and often goes away on its own, you may wonder why you would need to see a foot doctor (also known as a podiatrist). The first reason to schedule a visit with Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute is to get a proper diagnosis.
Plantar fasciitis isn’t the only condition that causes heel pain. Other foot problems that can lead to pain along the heel include:
- Heel Bursitis: inflamed bursa at the back of the heel
- Achilles Tendinitis: overuse of the Achilles tendon, which leads to inflammation
- Sever’s Disease: pain from overuse of the heel growth plates in children, causing inflammation
- Haglund’s Deformity: Enlarged bony section on the heel, often caused by wearing improper shoes
To make sure you receive the right treatment for your heel pain, you need to be accurately diagnosed. Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute may perform an X-ray to check for any damage to the bones in your feet and rule out other causes, such as a stress fracture.
Prevent Long-term or Chronic Issues with a Foot Doctor
Visiting Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute when you begin having pain in your heel can prevent your issue from becoming chronic. If you leave plantar fasciitis untreated, it can turn into long-term pain that takes months to go away.
Treating the pain quickly can prevent other issues. When you have pain from plantar fasciitis, it can cause you to adjust your stride and walking pattern, which can place extra stress on other areas of your leg and foot. Improper form when walking can lead to other injuries.
If you develop plantar fasciitis in both feet or the pain is severe, this will limit your ability to perform day-to-day activities. You can miss out on fun hobbies or other activities because you don’t feel like walking or want to deal with the pain.
How Will a Foot Doctor Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
Your doctor will likely recommend that you apply ice to the bottom of your feet and heel. Ice helps reduce inflammation, which will lessen the pain. They might also tell you to modify any activities that cause pain.
You may take over-the-counter pain relievers to help with the discomfort. The medication will also help with inflammation, which can also help you to get well sooner.
The doctor may recommend physical therapy where you will learn stretching exercises for the plantar fascia. They may show you strengthening exercises for your calves, which can help reduce injury to the foot. The doctor may also decide that you would benefit from taping, which can provide additional support to your foot.
Your podiatrist may prescribe orthotics to put in your shoes, which will support your feet. In severe cases of plantar fasciitis, you may even be put in a walking boot for a brief period to allow your foot time to heal.
Prevent Surgical Treatment Options
If you don’t see a podiatrist when you first notice the pain, it could worsen over time. You may end up needing more aggressive treatment, including surgery in severe cases. Early treatment can prevent these problems and allow you to get back to your everyday routines without pain.
The podiatrist can examine your foot and determine the location where the pain begins. They can determine how severe your case is and the appropriate method of treatment.
Let Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute Help You
The team at Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute provides experience and unparalleled expertise in the treatment of various foot problems. We offer a wide range of treatment options, from conservative to surgical care when needed. We always start with the least invasive techniques to help you get relief from your symptoms. Our goal is to get you back to your normal life as quickly and safely as possible.
We make it easy to get started with our online scheduler. You can quickly set up an appointment when it’s convenient for you. You can also visit our website to fill out the new patient forms, which will save time when you come in for your appointment.
Foot care is critical to maintaining your quality of life. When your feet hurt or suffer from some type of injury or condition, it affects everything you do. Don’t let the pain of plantar fasciitis keep you down or from doing the things you love. Schedule an appointment with Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute in St. Louis and let us help you get back on your feet.