Even though plantar fasciitis affects nearly 1 out of every 10 people, most of us have no clue that our foot pain might be signalling plantar fasciitis. When a case is mild, it’s easy to think that the pain and discomfort of plantar fasciitis is simply normal fatigue or due to aging. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Not only is plantar fasciitis preventable but it’s very manageable when treated. Plantar fasciitis can develop when the tendon that stretches from our heel towards our toes sustains an injury. Sometimes, all it takes is one bad injury to develop this condition. However, in most cases, plantar fasciitis develops over time after several bouts of trauma to the foot. This can be anything from experiencing a bad fall, standing extensive hours every day, to wearing improper footwear that doesn’t protect your feet from harsh terrain.
For some people, their plantar fasciitis is due to or accompanied by a heel spur. A heel spur is when a bony growth protrudes from your heel bone and irritates or damages the tendon running along the bottom of your feet. As you might imagine, a heel spur in addition to plantar fasciitis can be extremely painful. Among the population of people who develop plantar fasciitis, those who are runners or joggers most easily develop this foot problem. This is due to the repeated impact of their heels hitting hard surfaces. One of the best ways to combat adding unnecessary discomfort to your heel pain is to reconsider your footwear. For example, running sneakers are specially designed to have more cushion where it’s needed most - the heels! Another easy way to improve your discomfort is by using store-bought insoles or, even better, custom orthotics.
While there are many insoles available over the counter, custom orthotics are considered a prescription that must be prescribed to you by a podiatrist. Are you starting to think there might be more to your heel pain than just fatigue or age? It’s never too early to establish a relationship with a trusted podiatrist like Dr. Michelle Kurlanski. At Lighthouse Foot & Ankle Center, heel pain and plantar fasciitis are one of our many passions. Visit our location in Scarborough, Maine to check out our convenient in-office foot store! Call us today at (207) 774-0028 to schedule your next appointment.