Treating Your Foot Pain

Plantar what? Your foot pain may be what podiatrists call plantar fasciitis. A persistently sore inflammation of the connective tissue between the heel bone and the base of the toes, this common podiatric condition impacts mobility and quality of life. But, there's hope because your team at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Connecticut--Dr. Joseph Treadwell, Dr. Rihamary Jimenez, and Dr. Christian Davis-- see plantar fasciitis often in their Danbury, New Milford, and Plainville, CT offices, and they know how to relieve it.

How it happens

Many factors predispose people of all ages to plantar fasciitis, with these being the most common:

• Obesity
• Repetitive motion as in running or playing tennis
• A high arch
• Overpronation, making the foot roll inward, flattening the arch

Heel spurs, small bone projections on the front, or toe side, of the calcaneus bone, seem to co-exist with plantar fasciitis. However, heel spurs do not cause the condition. In fact, only one in 20 people with heel spurs also have plantar fasciitis, says the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

How your foot doctor can help

Your podiatrist will inspect your feet, watch you walk, ask you about your symptoms and take digital X-rays. Likely, he or she will recommend very conservative measures to treat your plantar fasciitis. Surgical release of the connective tissue or heel spur removal are infrequent, but sometimes, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, or ESWT, helps. ESWT sends waves of energy into the affected area, and while it is not a surgical procedure, it does require some downtime and rest afterwards.

The conservative treatments your Danbury, New Milford, and Plainville podiatrist often advises are:

• Stretching exercises (particularly first thing in the morning) and physical therapy
• Well-supporting shoes, especially in the arches
• Losing weight
• Custom-made orthotics, or shoe inserts
• Anti-inflammatory medications, either oral or injected
• Night splints to prevent feet from pointing downward during sleep

You can feel better

According to Podiatry Today, about 5 million Americans suffer from varying degrees of plantar fasciitis, but it can be treated. The professional team at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Connecticut understand this painful condition well and will formulate the care plan just right for you and your feet.

For a consultation with one of our podiatrists, call the location nearest you. In Danbury, phone (203) 748-2220. In New Milford, Call (860) 355-3139, and in Plainville, phone (860) 747-2200.