Plantar fasciitis is regarded as one of the most common pain-causing conditions to affect the feet. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or regularly experience heel pain, book an exam at one of United Foot & Ankle’s locations in East Brunswick, Keyport, Perth Amboy, Somerset, or Bayonne, New Jersey. You can conveniently schedule an appointment through the website, or you can call the office nearest you to speak with a team member directly.

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What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis means that you have chronic inflammation of your plantar fascia, which runs across your arches. Your plantar fascia is a long band of highly durable connective tissues that link your heels to your forefoot. Even though they’re designed to absorb a tremendous amount of weight and shock, they can certainly wear down. You may suffer from plantar fasciitis due to:

  • Repeated stress, like if you’re a distance runner
  • Working on your feet for long hours
  • Being overweight
  • Heel spurs
  • Pregnancy

Anyone of any age can suffer from plantar fasciitis. But it most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40-70.

How do I know if I have plantar fasciitis?

If you have plantar fasciitis, you’re likely going to suffer from acute heel pain. You may notice that your discomfort is so severe, you find it difficult to walk. You might even walk on the balls of your feet to alleviate discomfort. Plantar fasciitis pain can be dull, sharp, aching, or burning.

The symptoms you experience aren’t ongoing, though. Instead, plantar fasciitis symptoms peak after you get out of bed or after other periods of low or no activity (like sitting at your desk). For some, plantar fasciitis also flares up shortly after sports or exercise, but not during exercise.

Although these symptoms may indicate that you have plantar fasciitis, it’s essential to come in to United Foot & Ankle for a comprehensive foot and ankle exam. Your podiatrist needs to evaluate your feet and take some images to confirm plantar fasciitis and rule out related conditions.

What is the treatment for plantar fasciitis?

Once your podiatrist at United Foot & Ankle confirms that you have plantar fasciitis, they counsel you about your condition and which treatment options may be most helpful. Your podiatrist might recommend:

  • Night splints
  • Arch supports
  • Custom orthotics
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Most of the time, these conservative types of treatments are highly beneficial. But if you have a complicated case of plantar fasciitis, your podiatrist at United Foot & Ankle may recommend surgery. They can carefully release your rigid plantar fascia to alleviate inflammation so that you can experience lasting relief.

Get started on your plantar fasciitis treatment by booking an exam at United Foot & Ankle today. Click on the online scheduler or call any clinic to speak with a team member directly.