Most people find that in the morning, when they wake up, they have a severe pain in their heel. If you find this happening, you may have Plantar Fasciitis, which is an injury caused by overusing the sole. Every foot has a fibrous band around the arch area and a Planter Fascia near the heel bone. When you have this problem, you have inflamed or stretched the tough fibrous tissue that connects the heel with the toes.
Who
Females are typically the most at risk for the problem, as well as those that work in a field where standing and walking are important parts of the task. Those that are overweight may also have a problem with the fascia, along with walkers, joggers and people with extremely high arches or flat feet.
While most people notice the pain first thing in the morning after getting out of bed, you may also notice it after sitting for a long period of time and then walking about.
Treatments
The most effective treatment given by most Jacksonville, FL podiatrists is a series of stretching exercises. With one knee bent and one straight, lean against a wall so that the arch and heel can stretch. Hold the stance for 10 seconds and then straighten to a standing position. Do this 20 times with the heel. If you have Plantar Fasciitis in both heels, do another 20 times with the other heel.
Other exercises are available and can be found online or from visiting your Jacksonville, FL Heel Pain clinic, like First coast Foot and Ankle Clinic. Treatment may take two months or more to see improvement.
Other options can be to use ice on the affected area, which will relieve symptoms, and you can also take anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen. If your symptoms don’t go away after using ice, medication and proper stretching, you may need to wear a walking cast for a few weeks or a splint when sleeping.
Other Options
If you find that ibuprofen doesn’t help, you can also consider Aleve, Advil or Motrin. These medications are meant to reduce the amount of inflammation in your heel or foot.
Others find that having better arch support can help reduce the pains associated with the problem. Orthotics are available over the counter to help support and cushion the arch and custom options are available from your podiatrist if the over-the-counter remedies do not help.
Plantar Fasciitis in Jacksonville, FL is common for many people. Visit First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic to learn about special stretches and other remedies that may help you.
