Do you have pain in the arch of your foot when you walk?
Foot pain is a horrible ailment because there’s no way to get from point A to B without suffering any pain. This is why so many people go on sites like Wholesale Diabetic Socks (https://www.wholesalediabeticsocks.com/blog/avoiding-foot-pain-and-injury/) to find out how they can soothe their pain. However, something a lot of people forget about is plantar fasciitis. It is one of the most common causes of foot pain, it often occurs in high impact sports like running, basketball, or tennis. Even ballerinas can get it. But, it’s not just sports-oriented. If you are overweight, have flat feet or high arches, you can also be susceptible to the condition, so getting in touch with a podiatry kansas city practice or one in your local area, should be your first step towards helping any issues with this ailment.
“It can occur in anyone, but mostly it’s people who are active or on their feet all day,” says Dr. Alexander Curfman, of Lodi Podiatry Group. “Whether it’s runners or weekend warriors, truck drivers or factory workers, anyone can get an irritation or strain on the ligament in their feet.”
The fascia is a fibrous, connective band that runs from the heel along with the ball of the foot to the toes. When it becomes injured, it feels like a stabbing pain back near the heel. Often felt when rising in the morning or after standing for long periods of time, the pain can be debilitating. For reasons such as flat feet, gout, heel pain, and aging feet, the pain in the fascia might be a result of long-standing conditions like diabetes as well. That said, it is always a wise decision to consult podiatrists near you, even if you do not have any major problem with the bottom half of your feet. Pains that come as a result of a fascia injury (heel per se), is something that can prove to have negative consequences further in life. Just like the incident in 2015, when the then Denver Bronco’s Peyton Manning tore the fascia in his left foot and was unable to walk.
At one time, surgery was recommended. Dr. Meredith Warner and Dr. Keith Wapner, both affiliated with the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, cautioned that it is a last resort. Dr. Warner says she disapproves of surgery because the fascia is cut to release the tension. Dr. Wapner agrees, noting that he’s done very few surgeries.
“In my 33 years of practice, I’ve only had to operate on two people,” says Dr. Wapner. “No surgery unless you absolutely have to.”
Doctors warn against the frequent misconception that heel spurs are the cause of fascia pain. Spurs are a calcium deposit that creates a bony protrusion on the underside of the heel. Like a hook pointing toward the toes, they develop where the muscles in the foot connect to the bone. But one doesn’t necessarily occur with the other. Only around half of those with fasciitis also have spurs.
“They are related, but not causative,” says Dr. Warner. “Plenty of people walk around with a heel spur without any pain.”
Both Dr. Curfman and Dr. Warner noted that stretching is still a proven method to alleviate pain. Using ice packs, gel shoe inserts, and physical therapy are also helpful. Kevin Lane from Pine Street Physical & Occupational Therapy in Stockton suggested manual manipulation and stretching, therapeutic exercise, and taping the foot helps it heal.
“Physical therapy,” he says, “is one of the most effective treatment interventions for someone suffering from plantar fasciitis pain.”
So, the next time you experience a little foot pain, talk to a podiatrist or a physical therapist. You’ll be back on your feet in no time.