Living With Plantar Fasciitis

If the first steps you take in the morning are anything but pleasant because of foot pain, you may be living with plantar fasciitis. While the pain might decrease as you move about, it’s likely to return after lengthy periods on your feet or whenever you stand up. 

Thankfully, there’s a lot you and your podiatrist can do to improve your symptoms, and as a result, enhance your overall quality of life.

If you suspect that you have plantar fasciitis, our experienced team of podiatrists at Arlington Foot and Ankle Centers can help. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can get relief soon.

Plantar fasciitis medication

Once your doctor has confirmed that you have plantar fasciitis, likely through an exam and possibly an X-ray to rule out other causes of your foot pain, they may recommend medication to minimize your symptoms. 

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as naproxen sodium and ibuprofen, can reduce inflammation in the heel and arch of your foot.

Physical therapy for plantar fasciitis

Special exercises, such as certain strengthening and stretching exercises, can also help you manage plantar fasciitis pain. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist who can guide you through these exercises. 

The therapist might also teach you how to apply athletic tape to your foot for added support. You might benefit from taping your feet each night before bed.

Night splints for plantar fasciitis

A night splint can also help reduce your symptoms by stretching the arch of your foot and your calf while you sleep. The splint stretches the plantar fascia, reducing tightness that fuels inflammation and pain. 

Depending on the frequency and severity of your symptoms, you might need to wear the splint nightly or only during flare-ups.

Custom inserts for plantar fasciitis

Orthotics are shoe inserts that support the arches of your feet to help distribute plantar fasciitis pressure more evenly. 

While off-the-shelf inserts can be helpful in some cases, custom orthotics go above and beyond with a unique design based on the shape of your feet and your specific symptoms.  

Advanced plantar fasciitis treatments

When over-the-counter medications, orthotics, and physical therapy fail to improve your symptoms, you might benefit from a higher level of care. Additional treatments options for plantar fasciitis include:

• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, which uses sound waves to stimulate healing
• Steroid injections for temporary pain relief
• Platelet-rich plasma injections to reduce pain and guard against tissue rupture
• Tenex procedure treatment to remove scar tissue without the need for surgery
• Surgery to detach the plantar fascia from your heel bone

Get relief from plantar fasciitis pain

Don’t wait to find relief with plantar fasciitis treatments that best suit you or to see if another issue may be fueling your foot pain. Call Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers or request an appointment at one of our two locations with our online booking feature.