Is Your Foot Pain Plantar Fasciitis?

tennis

School is out and summer fun has arrived! Many of us will increase our time outdoors while participating in sports and other activities. Running, tennis, and soccer are just a few that will fill many of our summer schedules, and as a result many of us may experience the most common cause of foot pain, plantar fasciitis.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament that connects your heel to your toes and supports the arch of your foot. Plantar fasciitis typically causes burning and sharp pains while walking and is usually worse in the morning. Those who have flat or high arches, leg length discrepancy, tight Achilles tendon, stand for long periods of time on hard surfaces, suddenly increase activity, and are overweight are at risk of experiencing plantar fasciitis.

How can plantar fasciitis be prevented?

Prevention is key to fighting off plantar fasciitis. “Avoiding this problem includes keeping the achilles tendon and calf muscles stretched out, arch support inserts, and gradual increase in training,” said Dr. Kavita Iyengar, Foot and Ankle Specialist. Plantar fasciitis can also be prevented by avoiding overdoing incline and speed workouts, running on hard surfaces, or wearing high heels.

What are the treatment options?

Treatments for plantar fasciitis include stretching, orthotics, night splints, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, temporary decrease in training, and ice massage. For more prolonged cases, Dr. James Sedlis, Primary Care Sports Medicine physician, recommends the Tenex Fast Procedure or regenerative medicine such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. These treatment options are performed by Dr. Robert Agee, Dr. Robert Flannery, and Dr. James Sedlis in a Lemak Sports Medicine clinic convenient to you.