What Is Plantar Fasciitis And How We Can Help

Dealing with heel pain? It could be plantar fasciitis.

While there are many reasons why you might be dealing with foot pain, if you are experiencing heel pain then plantar fasciitis might be to blame. This is a problem you don’t want to ignore, as it can often get worse or become chronic. If you find that the bottoms of your heels are causing you significant pain, our podiatrists Dr. Joseph Treadwell, Dr. Christian Davis, and Dr. Rihamary Jimenez from Foot & Ankle Specialists of Connecticut can provide you with ways to ease your symptoms and help your feet heal.

We have Offices in Plainville, Danbury, and New Milford, CT where we provide service to the New Britain, Bristol, Southington, Farmington, New Fairfield and Ridgefield, CT, areas

What is plantar fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick ligament that goes from the heels to the toes. This tissue connects the heel bone to the toes and also supports the arches of the feet. Overuse or strain on the plantar fascia can result in inflammation and micro-tears that lead to plantar fasciitis.

What causes it?

There are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood that someone may develop plantar fasciitis over their lifetime. Some of these factors include:

• Being female
• Being overweight
• Having to stand for long periods of time, often for work
• Being a runner
• Suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of a run or athletic activity
• Tight calf muscles
• Very high arches
• Flat feet

Can I treat plantar fasciitis on my own?

If you have had plantar fasciitis in the past, or if you’re only dealing with minor heel pain, then you may be able to treat the problem on your own without turning to a footcare professional. Those with diabetes or nerve damage in their feet should turn to our Danbury, CT, podiatrists immediately for care. In this case, do not try and treat the problem yourself.

Some ways to ease plantar fasciitis symptoms and to promote healing are:

• Rest as much as possible
• Avoid strenuous activities and exercises that could exacerbate the plantar fascia
• Stretch your feet, calves, and ankles every day to alleviate pain and stiffness
• Wear socks and shoes that provide support, even when indoors
• Elevate your feet when at rest to reduce swelling
• Ice the heel 2-3 times a day for about 15 minutes each time
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
• Soak feet in a warm bath with Epsom salt

When should I turn to a podiatrist?

If you’ve been resting and managing your heel pain at home but still aren’t seeing an improvement in your symptoms after five days, then it’s time to see a professional. You should also turn to a podiatrist if:

• You are dealing with severe heel pain or swelling
• You can’t bend or move the foot
• You can’t put any weight on your foot
• You notice numbness or tingling in the heel
• There is a discoloration in the heel or foot

With offices in Plainville, Danbury, and New Milford, CT, the podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Connecticut are proud to serve the New Britain, Bristol, Southington, Farmington, New Fairfield, and Ridgefield, CT, areas. If you’re looking for a podiatrist to treat your plantar fasciitis, give us a call today at (203) 748-2220, (860) 355-3139, or (860) 747-2200.