Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis in AZ

Plantar Fasciitis is a common yet painful condition of the foot, primarily in the heel and arch, caused when the fascia on the bottom of the foot becomes painful and inflamed. This is caused by a painful stretching or micro-tearing of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a fibrous or tendon-like structure that courses along the bottom of the foot connecting the toes and calcaneus or heel bone.

The condition is a familiar complaint of athletes who do a lot of running and jumping. It is the inflammation of the plantar facia, which is a band of tissue found on the bottom of the foot that runs from the bottom of the toes to the heel. People who wear the wrong shoes and are overweight also come to our offices for fasciitis treatment.

Not only is there pain from this inflammation, painful heel spurs often accompany this condition. Heel spurs happen because the body tries to compensate for the injury by laying down calcium in the heel bone, which results in a spur. Our medical professionals at Arizona Foot Doctors are pleased to offer our patients treatment for plantar fasciitis as well as heel spurs.

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What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Hard running and jumping causes the toes to bend and put stress on the plantar facia where it connects to the heel. This causes the plantar facia to become inflamed.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis:

• Non-supportive Shoes
• Overpronation (Flat Feet)
• Excessive Running
• Shoes that don’t fit well
• Weight Gain

Symptoms

Plantar fasciitis pain is felt in the heel area, which is worse when the patient first wakes up in the morning. Ironically, the pain often goes away when the person exercises but then comes back later. Rest actually makes plantar fasciitis pain worse at first, but subsides. Our doctors diagnose the condition through physical exam and X-rays of the affected foot.

Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Scottsdale, by AZ Foot Doctors couldn’t be easier or more convenient. If you are experiencing pain in your heel or arch when you walk or when you first get out of bed in the morning, you should contact a podiatrist for a diagnosis.

We tell our patients to stop all activity when they first feel pain in their heel and then rest. They’re also told to alternate cold and warm compresses to reduce the swelling and stimulate blood circulation in the area. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also lessen the pain and the swelling. The good news is that the great majority of people who get help for plantar fasciitis recover after a few months.

Our fasciitis treatment here includes steroid injections and electrotherapy, again to control the swelling and the insertion of orthotics in our patients’ shoes to support the medial arch. We also use night splints and taping of the foot and recommend physical therapy as the patient heals.

Possible Plantar Fasciitis Treatments:

• Stretches
• Anti-inflammatories
• Ice
• Physical Therapy
• Orthotics
• Cortisone shots
• Ultra Sonic treatment

Though there are really no plantar fasciitis cures, surgery is an option in cases where conservative treatment doesn’t work after many months. The closest that a patient can come to plantar fasciitis cures is to change the habits that caused the condition in the first place. Losing weight and wearing the appropriate shoes are effective in preventing the return of the condition.

Contact Us At Arizona Foot Doctors For help For Plantar Fasciitis

Arizona Foot Doctors has served the residents of the Scottsdale, Arizona area for over 35 years. We provide not only plantar fasciitis treatment, but help for other disorders of the ankles and feet. If you need plantar fasciitis treatment, call for a consultation at (480)-661–7572.

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