If pain shoots up through your heel for your first few steps in the morning, you may have plantar fasciitis. At Edward C. Murphy, MD, PA, in Houston, Bogar Ventura, DC, provides expert diagnosis and customized treatment to relieve plantar fasciitis pain. Call the Houston office, conveniently located in the Texas Medical Center, or schedule a consultation online today.
Your plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that stretches from your heel to your toes. It’s the ligament that helps you walk and supports the arch of your foot. When your plantar fascia is injured or inflamed, it causes a painful condition called plantar fasciitis.
Shooting pain in your heel first thing in the morning or after periods of inactivity is the telltale sign of plantar fasciitis.
However, the condition also causes pain and stiffness across the bottom of your foot and stiffness in your ankles. Most of the time, your symptoms subside as you get moving and your plantar fascia warms up.
Plantar fasciitis is usually due to overuse and repetitive strain. For example, long-distance runners and patients who have active jobs that keep them on their feet all day have a high risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Additionally, your risk is also higher if you’re overweight or pregnant because of the extra pressure on your feet.
Plantar fasciitis is sometimes due to flat feet, high arches, or other structural foot problems. Tight calf muscles and Achilles tendons can also pull on your plantar fascia and trigger the painful symptoms.
Dr. Ventura begins with a comprehensive exam to identify the cause of your symptoms and rule out other foot conditions. He may test your reflexes, muscle tone, sensitivity, and balance.
When he confirms plantar fasciitis, he creates a customized treatment plan to relieve your pain and heal your feet. Your treatment plan may include:
It’s essential to get treatment for plantar fasciitis. When left untreated, it can change your gait and lead to additional problems in your knees, hips, and back.
In most cases, plantar fasciitis subsides with conservative treatments and taking time to stretch your feet, ankles, and calves every day — only in rare and severe cases is surgery necessary.
Dr. Ventura can relieve your pain and restore your quality of life. Call or make an appointment online today.
