Statistically speaking, plantar fasciitis is a common among the middle-aged and those who are on their feet a lot, like athletes and soldiers. In addition to these risk factors you have a greater chance of developing plantar fasciitis if you:
- Have a Strange Gait – If you walk with an inward twist or roll of the foot or have high arches or flat feet you’re more likely to suffer from heel pain.
- Wear Improper Shoes – Shoes with poor cushioning can cause or exacerbate plantar fasciitis. If you are a runner or walker, you increase your chance of developing plantar fasciitis if you wear shoes that do not have a cushioned sole, lack good arch support, or are worn out.
If you are suffering from heel pain, try resting and icing your heel. If possible, stop or reduce activities that cause the pain, such as running, standing for long periods of time, or walking on hard surfaces. You should also try different shoes or shoe inserts to cushion the heel.
If you are an athlete, do not ignore or attempt to “run through” the pain. This can lead to a chronic problem that is more difficult to treat successfully.
Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Pain that continues when you are not standing or bearing any weight on your heel.
- A heel injury that results in pain when you put weight on your heel.
- Heel pain that does not getter better after a week, even though you have tried rest, ice, and over the counter meds.
If you suspect that you might have plantar fasciitis, don’t hesitate to make an appointment. An earlier diagnosis will help expedite your pain relief.
Dr. Michael Andrew Caines is a Foot and Ankle Surgery specialist in Portsmouth and Suffolk, Virginia. Dr. Caines trained in Orthopaedic Surgery at St. Luke’s Medical Center, also in Cleveland, with a Fellowship in Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. He has professional memberships with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Caines contact us online today or call the office directly at 757.215.3789.