In an interview with NPR, Dr. Navan Duggal discusses plantar fasciitis as well as treatment for the condition. Two million people in the United States, with men and runners being the most prominent, suffer from plantar fasciitis every year. The condition occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band running from the toes to the heel of the feet, receives excessive strain and trauma causing pain near the heel. “Usually the problem is that patients have this pain and they haven’t really addressed it,” Duggal States. Sometimes the condition starts as mild pain in the heel or through a tight Achilles tendon or calf muscle. Duggal also states that stretching the feet as well as wearing orthotic inserts helps relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, visit Dr. Michael E. Newman of Pennsylvania. Our doctor can treat your heel pain as well as any other foot or ankle condition.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of a the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
- Excessive running
- Non-supportive shoes
- Overpronation
- Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia
How Can It Be Treated?
- Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
- Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
- Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
If you have any questions, please contact our offices in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
