The plantar fascia is located on the bottom of your foot. It is a thick, inflexible, fibrous band that begins at the heel and inserts into the base of the toes. The primary focus of the plantar fascia is to support the arch of your foot. Most of the time when you go to your local podiatrist in Tucson with complaints of “stabbing” foot pain, it is plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis can be a debilitating injury since your feet bear all of your body weight. The “stabbing” pain tends to be much worse in the morning or gets worse with long periods of activity. When you head into your Tucson Podiatrist and he/she tells you that you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, it means that the plantar fascia has become inflamed or irritated. If you are participating in repetitive activities your plantar fascia may not be able to hold up to the stress. Microtears of the fascia occur when there is far too much shock-absorbing and stretching occurring.
If you are holding off on a visit to your podiatrist you need to understand that left untreated, chronic heel pain will develop. You may also begin to compensate for the pain and change the way you walk or run. This can lead to many more problems. Typically your doctor can diagnose this injury in the office without further testing. Since plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory process your physician may put you on anti inflammatory medication. Your physician may also order physical therapy, a night splint, and/or orthotics.
Be sure to see your doctor if you are experiencing severe foot pain as it may be a sign of something more serious. Your podiatrists at Podiatric Medicine & Surgery can handle any foot pain you are experiencing. Call to schedule your appointment today!